In the summer of 2020, HCHI underwent a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) of its primary service areas to include the following counties in West Virginia:  Berkeley, Harrison, Kanawha, Marion, Monongalia, Nicholas, Ohio, Preston, Randolph, and Wood. 

 

We recognize that medical care, public health, and social services must work together to create an environment where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.  Moreover, health is about more than only healthcare; it is driven by many other factors like housing, education, and transportation. This is especially true for people with unmet health and social needs. The social services designed to help are often separated from medical services and public health programs tasked with improving health. Addressing this challenge has only grown more urgent in the wake of the Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, occurring as we conducted our Community Health Needs Assessment. 

 

From our data analysis, key informant interviews, and responses to our online survey, we identified the primary needs of our area, as summarized below:

• Specialized therapeutic services

• Increase the number and availability of counselors

• Education regarding behavioral health and advocacy

• Eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help

• Improve the counseling experience and outcomes

 

Every one of these needs is essential, and the reasons for selecting them are reliable and extensive and are presented in detail in the 2020 CHNA.  Highland-Clarksburg Hospital will address all of the prioritized needs in various capacities through hospital-specific implementation plans offered.  Moreover, through collaboration, engagement, and partnership with our communities, we will address these priorities with a specific focus on health equity for the vulnerable populations within our West Virginia area.

 

It truly is a great time to be a part of something so well needed in our community! Our future looks bright and we thank every single employee in every department for the infinite value you bring to HCHI to make this all come together.

 

Victoria J., President & CEO

Dr. Goodykoontz, Chief Medical Officer

Whitney P., Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer W., Chief Quality Officer

Julie B., Chief Nursing Officer