Core Competency: Addressing Community Needs

There are multiple ways to understand community needs of CAHs and RHCs. Researching secondary data is crucial for the service areas of CAHs and RHCs. This is essential in determining SDOH and other needs of the community CAHs and RHCs serve. Using the County Health Rankings to find county specific data and doing some visual representation is helpful. CAHMPAS also has many other helpful tools to discover disparities around the SDOH. To gain greater insight into individual CAH community needs, conducting a CHNA is helpful. Keep in mind that a CHNA is a formal, systematic process that identifies and analyzes needs and assets. For CAHs, this drives local planning, decision making, and programs. Review rural health assessments conducted by the state’s Office of Rural Health for further information.

PROFICIENCIES: 

• Understand the SDOH and how they impact the current and future health care environment
• Recognize and invest in health equity, inclusion, and diversity to impact the current and future health care environment
• Analyze data from CHNAs, CAHMPAS, and other sources to identify opportunities for addressing community needs
• Utilize CHNAs and other data sources to identify opportunities for rural provider collaboration on population health improvement
• Understand interventions that are impactful in addressing community needs

Population Health Toolkit

National Rural Health Resource Center

Understanding and Addressing Social Determinants of Health - Opportunities to Improve Health Outcomes, A Guide for Rural Health Care Leaders (399.96 KB)

Rural Health Value

A Diversity, Equity and Cultural Competency Assessment Tool for Leaders

Institute for Diversity and Health Equity