In 2012 CHNA 18 completed a Community Health Needs Assessment. This comprehensive look at the health needs and priorities in our nine cities and towns offers a rich data source as well as suggestions for ways communities might address the major health issues in their areas. While out-of-date by now, many of the data points are still reflected in current data, and the health priority areas for many communities remain the same. The priority health areas that were identified are:
Mental Health
Access to care (for all populations)
Destigmatizing
Focus on mental wellness
Leading to a decrease in substance use, particularly by youth and elders
Mobility and Transportation (bikes, cars, walking, buses, private transportation…)
Access to services
Safety of transportation (traffic etc.)
Opportunities for active living
Access to healthy food
Additionally, the CHNA agreed to focus efforts on the elderly and youth, including collecting more data about these populations if possible. The entire needs assessment report is available online! Click the link below to open a PDF of the report.
The Needs Assessment Subcommittee, or NAS, consisted of CHNA members interested in working on the needs assessment report, as well as strategizing on plans to address the major health issues identified. Current and past members were integral in the development and completion of the current needs assessment report. Starting in July of 2010, members met regularly to identify the data needed, sources for information, and to guide the entire process from start to finish.
NAS Members Janice Berns-Resident, Needham Health Department, CHNA Treasurer
Emily Carroll-Needham Health Department
Bruce Cohen-Resident, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, CHNA 18 Co-Chair
Bryan Eustis- Needham Health Department
Judy Fallows-Healthy Waltham and CHNA 18 Co-Chair
Lloyd Gellineau-Resident, Brookline Health Department, CHNA 18 Steering Committee member
Kim Hinden-Beth-Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham
Sheila O’Connell-St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
Joanne Patterson-REACH Beyond Domestic Violence
Ron Ponte-Newton Wellesley Hospital
Beth Rogan- Resident, Freedman Center at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and CHNA 18 Steering Committee member
Laura Streichert-Resident, International Society for Disease Surveillance
Teresa Wood Kett- Newton Health and Human Services Department and CHNA 18 Steering Committee member
Laura Van Zandt-Resident, REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, CHNA 18 Steering Committee member
Staff: Emily Bhargava, Elana Brochin, Adam Chu, Marsha Lazar, Andrew Petrone, Elizabeth Theriault, Jhana Wallace
