From the Greater Flint Health Coalition:

Genesee County, MI – Every three years, the Greater Flint Health Coalition, in partnership with Henry Ford Genesys Hospital (formerly Ascension Genesys Hospital), Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Flint, and the Genesee County Health Department, releases a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The CHNA is an important tool that relies on community feedback to gauge what residents deem to be the most pressing community health issues. Results from the survey are compiled and used to inform the development of a community health improvement plan.

Understanding that community health is multi-faceted, the CHNA asks residents to take social determinants of health into account. That being said, the survey encompasses all conditions that influence a person’s health, including factors like transportation and housing. By taking this assessment, the community can share their input regarding their experienced or perceived quality of life in Genesee County, ultimately helping to identify which areas need to be addressed in order to increase the quality of life and health status for all residents.

Nichole Smith-Anderson, Senior Director of Programs at the Greater Flint Health Coalition, shares, “The CHNA is a really special tool because it makes sure the work that we and our partners do has the best interest of the community at heart. Instead of us determining what health issues we think need to be addressed, we can look at the CHNA responses to find direct resident feedback and use that information to guide our efforts.”

The Greater Flint Health Coalition and partners take pride in the CHNA and ensuring results are community-informed. In order to mobilize the survey, the Greater Flint Health Coalition relies on its existing relationships with various community partners. Smith-Anderson states, “We are truly grateful for the longstanding relationships we uphold with so many great community partners because they allow us to share our efforts far and wide, ultimately ensuring that no one in our community goes unnoticed. Being so well connected is our greatest strength when it comes to making sure resident voices are heard.”

The CHNA is intended to be a source of empowerment for Flint and Genesee Residents, showing them that their voice matters and is heard. Surveys will be available to complete online by clicking here. Paper surveys will be available throughout the community. The surveys will also be available in Spanish and Arabic. For more information about the CHNA, email gfhc@flint.org.

About the Greater Flint Health Coalition

Established in 1996, the Greater Flint Health Coalition is a Flint, Michigan-based nonprofit organization and partnership between Genesee County hospitals, physicians, businesses, insurers, public health professionals, policymakers, government leaders, educators, organized labor, community organizations, residents, and all those concerned about the well-being of our community and its residents. The two-fold mission of the Greater Flint Health Coalition is to improve the health status of Genesee County residents and the quality and cost effectiveness of the health care system in the community.

For more information on the Greater Flint Health Coalition, visit http://www.gfhc.org