The Purpose of the Community Health Assessment
The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is the foundation of health improvement for a community. Its purpose is to identify the factors that affect the community's health and quality of life and the resources available to address these factors. The Pender County Health Department leads a CHA every four years. The process involves working collaboratively across sectors in a steering committee, collecting and analyzing health data, and setting priorities for health improvement.
By systematically identifying a county's health resources and challenges, county leadership can make strategic choices to prioritize top areas of concern. This report provides data and priorities to support a Community Health Improvement Planning process that outlines action steps and tracks progress on identified issues. This collaborative cycle of steady, incremental progress helps create a healthier community for all.
