Community Health Strategy

Local public health leaders are carrying more than ever — more responsibility, more expectation, more pressure, and more demand placed on fewer shoulders. As counties navigate shifting regulations, budget instability, staffing shortages, and rising community needs, the next year is already taking shape. And 2026 will not wait for anyone. This is the moment to steady the ground beneath your feet. 1. Clarify the Indicators That Matter Most Funding, accountability, and program s

Infographic titled “When the Safety Net Slows: SNAP, Health & Housing in a Government Shutdown,” showing how federal budget delays cause SNAP disruptions, increase housing risk, and raise health costs.

As the federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits, counties must act fast to document the financial impact. Ascendant Healthcare Partners™ delivers PHAB-aligned Cost to the Community™ reports in just 10 days—helping local leaders quantify fiscal exposure, prepare for budget hearings, and protect essential public health funding before December 5.

The federal shutdown is deepening, SNAP and Medicaid cuts are hitting home, and Ascendant Healthcare Partners™ shows how to quantify what’s at stake through a Cost to the Community™ analysis.

County leaders can’t wait 6–12 months for a traditional CHNA. CHNA Express™ delivers a PHAB-standard Community Health Needs Assessment in just 45 days—fast, compliant, and audit-ready. Pair it with Cost to the Community™ to demonstrate ROI and secure funding.