Jonathan Ward, Associate Administrator | Harris Regional Hospital
Jonathan Ward, Associate Administrator | Harris Regional Hospital
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital have initiated comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) for Jackson and Swain counties. The collaboration involves local health professionals and community stakeholders aiming to identify pressing health issues in these areas.
Two separate surveys will be conducted, with Harris Regional Hospital focusing on Jackson County and Swain Community Hospital on Swain County. The goal is to address current health challenges, prioritize needs, and guide future community health investments.
Ashley Hindman, CEO of both hospitals, stated, “We’re excited to launch this new cycle of community health assessments and to build on the important progress we’ve made since our last CHNA. By listening to the voices of those who live and work in Jackson and Swain counties, we can better tailor our services and focus our efforts on what matters most to our communities.”
The CHNAs will incorporate new data with existing information from local, state, and federal health agencies. This analysis will guide strategies reflecting each county's unique requirements. Community focus groups scheduled for June will provide further local perspectives, aiding in defining future health priorities.
Hindman emphasized, “The surveys will allow us to hear directly from the community about their concerns and ideas for improving health in Jackson and Swain counties.”
The process is supported by Strata, a research partner handling data collection and analysis. The findings will be reviewed by hospital leadership and shared with boards to inform planning and service delivery.
A Community Health Summit will be organized in each county after data collection to discuss key findings and involve public participation in the action planning phase. Hindman also remarked, “Our goal is not just to produce a report, but to create a living, breathing plan that leads to meaningful action. These assessments are an essential step in ensuring that the people of Jackson and Swain counties have access to the care and support they need to live healthier lives.”
Residents of both counties are encouraged to participate in the surveys. The survey for Jackson County is available at MyHarrisRegional.com/community-health-assessment, and the survey for Swain County can be accessed at MySwainCommunity.com/community-health-assessment.
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