What is the Pottawatomie County Community Health Needs Assessment?

The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is a collaborative health survey conducted in partnership with the University of Oklahoma's Hudson College of Public Health. It aims to identify and analyze health needs and resources in Pottawatomie County, informing future health programs, policies, and services. The information that informs the CHNA is gathered from the Community Health Survey, Community Health Conversations, and secondary data sources. The assessment takes place every three years.

 

What organizations are involved in implementing the CHNA?

Various local organizations comprise the Unified CHNA Task Force: Absentee Shawnee Tribe Health Systems, Avedis Foundation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County,  Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, OK State Dept. of Health - District 6, Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), SSM Health Oklahoma, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee, and the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health.  Survey questions were developed by the Task Force, guided by experts from the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health.

 

How does this help our community?

Past CHNAs have led to initiatives like Veggie Rx, enhanced behavioral health services and mobile charitable food services. The current CHNA will similarly inform the next Community Health Improvement Plan, helping shape health-related projects, programs, and policies for the coming three years, directly advocating for and benefiting community-specific health challenges. 

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What is the Community Health Survey?

The Community Health Survey is a broad study that helps identify key health issues, guiding healthcare providers, organizations, and policymakers to focus resources and efforts on the most critical areas. This ensures more effective health interventions and lasting positive impacts on community well-being.

 

What will happen with my responses and personal information if I participate?

Survey information is securely collected and managed by the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Design and Analysis Center (BSE RDAC) at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health. Pogo and its partners receive only aggregated, anonymous data to ensure individual privacy. Your input is confidential. Combined data will be used by partnering organizations to create a strategy to address identified health needs. This may include launching new health programs, making policy changes, and collaborating with community groups. 

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What happens after the Community Health survey?

The data will be analyzed to pinpoint key health needs and trends. A complete report will be reviewed by stakeholders. From this, specific goals and action plans will be implemented in collaboration with local health-related organizations, the Unified CHNA Task Force, and other community groups. Continuous monitoring and public reporting will ensure transparency and ongoing improvement. The finalized CHNA will be publicly available on the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee and Pottawatomie Go (Pogo) websites.

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How can I stay informed about the progress of the initiatives resulting from the CHNA?

Updates will be provided through community meetings, social media, and online here on our website. Stay engaged to see how your input contributes to positive changes.

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