6/13/24 - Kent County Health Dept. Unveils Latest Community Health Needs

Kent County leaders will use information from a new report to better address the most important needs within the community.

Grand Rapids, MI (June 12, 2024) - (Health Dept. Press Release) -  The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has completed its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), highlighting the most pressing health concerns as identified by county residents. The 2023 CHNA reveals the top areas of concern as:

• Housing
• Health Insurance
• Access to Medical Care
• Access to Healthy Food

Conducted every three years, the CHNA is a collaborative effort supported by the KCHD and local health care system partners, including Corewell Health, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Pine Rest, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health West.

The 2020 CHNA identified mental health, access to health care, racial inequality, and economic security as the primary issues. This year’s assessment involved a broader and more diverse group of participants, thanks to the engagement efforts of nearly 80 partner organizations and community leaders. Over 5,000 Kent County residents contributed their insights through surveys and focus groups.

“The CHNA provides a snapshot of many different factors that can influence population health,” said Maris Brummel, Public Health Epidemiologist at KCHD. “We hope the findings will help inform the work of individuals and organizations that serve Kent County residents.”

The completed report will guide KCHD, local health care systems, and stakeholders in developing a Community Health Improvement Plan to address the highest identified priorities. Community workgroups will formulate the plan, which will include goals, objectives, and strategies to be implemented over a 3- to 5-year timeframe and evaluated for community impact. This work will support or expand existing community initiatives and develop new strategies.

“By working together with our community partners and utilizing the insights from the CHNA, we can make significant strides in addressing the critical health issues identified by our residents,” concluded Brummel.

Additional information on the Community Health Improvement Plan planning process will be released in Fall of 2024. Click here to view the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment.