A Community Health Assessment (CHA) is a vital tool for understanding the health of your community. At Public Health Dynamics, we conduct comprehensive assessments that explore health trends, identify priority needs, and inform strategies for improving health outcomes across populations. A CHA offers more than just data; it provides the foundation for informed decision-making and collective action.
Our Approach to Community Health Assessment
We partner with public health departments, coalitions, and community organizations to deliver an inclusive, evidence-based process that results in actionable insights.
Data Collection & Analysis: We gather and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, including:
Demographics and population trends
Health behaviors and risk factors
Chronic and infectious disease prevalence
Social determinants of health (housing, income, education)
Environmental and healthcare access indicators
Sources include public health surveillance data, community surveys, focus groups, and local stakeholder input.
Health Needs Identification: Our team synthesizes findings to identify the most pressing health issues facing your community, such as disparities in chronic disease, behavioral health challenges, or barriers to care.
Community Engagement: We prioritize community voice throughout the process. Engaging residents, partners, and stakeholders ensures the CHA reflects lived experiences and builds momentum for change.
Health Issue Prioritization: Using collaborative tools and facilitated discussions, we help your coalition or planning team rank and prioritize health challenges based on impact, urgency, and feasibility.
Resource Mapping: We identify and assess existing local resources—including healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and public programs that can be leveraged to address identified needs.
Strategic Planning Integration: The insights from your CHA lay the groundwork for strategic planning and the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) tailored to your local context.
Why Conduct a CHA?
A CHA supports:
Informed public health planning and investment
More equitable distribution of resources
Stronger cross-sector collaboration
Data-driven policy and program development
Improved health outcomes and accountability
Community-Driven. Data-Informed. Impact-Focused.
Unlike a CHNA (Community Health Needs Assessment), which is required of nonprofit hospitals, a CHA is typically led by public health agencies and offers a broader lens into community health. Public Health Dynamics is here to guide your team through every step, from data collection to community engagement to planning for action.
Learn more about how Public Health Dynamics can support your organization by exploring our full range of Public Health Services.