Addressing Community Health Needs

Health care services, such as those furnished at critical access hospitals (CAHs), are intended to meet the health needs of their communities. It is important for state Flex Programs to understand the community needs of their CAHs to develop or leverage program activities in support of health system development, community engagement and population health improvement. State Flex Program proficiency in the following contribute to excellence in addressing community health needs:

  • Understanding the social determinants of health
  • Supporting population health improvement
  • Utilizing community health needs assessments and economic impact assessments

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB1RH24206, Information Services to Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Grantees, $1,205,000 (0% financed with nongovernmental sources). This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.