(Atlantic) The Cass County Community Health Needs Assessment results are in.
Of the nine health needs people were asked to prioritize in the assessment, mental health was identified as the clear top priority for Cass County. Following mental health, childcare and housing were identified as the next most urgent needs. Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh reminds people that the Community Health Needs Assessment takes a broad definition of health.
Cass County Public Health and Healthy Cass County will be using the Community Health Needs Assessment feedback to develop five-year health improvement plans for Cass County, but the use of the feedback won’t stop there.
Hoegh said they are also going to be sharing feedback on different topics.
Members of the public who are interested in being involved in developing and pursing plans to meet these needs are asked to contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870. The nine health needs being further researched are: mental health; quality, affordable childcare; quality, affordable housing; senior services and support; healthy eating and nutrition; physical fitness and outdoor recreation; substance misuse and addiction; hunger and food access; and isolation and loneliness.
Questions about the Community Health Needs Assessment and related Health Improvement Plan can be directed to Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen at olsea@casshealth.org or 712-243-7552.
Cass County Public Health and Healthy Cass County thank everyone who provided feedback through the Cass County Community Health Needs Assessment. Over 470 people in the county took the assessment, and input came from across the county.
