Counties nationwide are facing a hidden cost crisis driven by preventable disease, housing instability, rising audit scrutiny, and fiscal uncertainty. This article breaks down why delays in CHNAs, CHIPs, or Cost to the Community™ analyses are now financially risky—and how county health leaders can protect funding with fast, audit-ready reporting.

The shutdown may be over, but counties now face a fiscal reckoning. Boards want proof of impact, fast. Ascendant Healthcare Partners™ delivers a Cost to the Community™ report by Thanksgiving for counties committing by Nov 20, and a PHAB-compliant CHNA Express™ by Jan 30. This is the moment for counties to turn data into fiscal clarity before the next crisis hits.