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Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)

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Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)

At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we are industry leaders in delivering Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) services for state, tribal, and local health departments. Our approach empowers communities to identify critical health challenges and implement strategic, sustainable solutions that promote long-term health improvements. Using the latest NACCHO’s MAPP 2.0 framework, we ensure that our assessments are aligned with the gold standard in public health planning.

Our Expertise in CHNA Consulting

With over 25 years of combined experience, we specialize in conducting comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) that serve as the foundation for problem identification, policy development, and strategic health planning. Our consulting services provide public health departments with critical data and actionable insights to address health disparities and improve overall community well-being.


We distinguish ourselves by using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) 2.0 framework, which ensures a community-driven approach to health improvement. MAPP 2.0 focuses on continuous improvement and collaboration to create strategic health initiatives that drive measurable outcomes.

NACCHO’s MAPP 2.0 –
Our Proven Methodology

At the heart of our CHNA consulting is the NACCHO’s MAPP 2.0 process, the most advanced tool for community-driven health improvement. MAPP 2.0 enables communities to work together to prioritize health issues, strengthen health, and create actionable health improvement plans. The process includes three crucial phases:

Building the Community Health

Improvement Foundation


We engage stakeholders, service providers, and community leaders to build a strong foundation for collaboration and health improvement.

Telling the Community Story

 

This phase includes three core assessments—Community Partner Assessment, Community Status Assessment, and Community Context Assessment—that provide a detailed understanding of the community’s health status and underlying social determinants of health (SDoH).

Continuously Improving the Community


Ongoing evaluation and data analysis ensure continuous improvement, adaptation to evolving needs, and sustained impact.

The Three Core CHNA Assessments

  • Community Partner Assessment
    This assessment evaluates the strengths and contributions of local organizations, businesses, and nonprofits in addressing health inequities. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, we create a comprehensive view of how each partner can contribute to improving community health.

  • Community Status Assessment
    Using national, state, and local databases, we analyze over 150 health metrics to understand the current health status of the community. We assess health behaviors, outcomes, and social determinants of health (SDoH) to inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations.

  • Community Context Assessment
    This assessment explores the unique characteristics of the community, including cultural factors, lived experiences, and environmental influences. By focusing on the views and insights of community residents, we create a plan tailored to the specific health challenges and opportunities of the population.

At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we don’t just assess community health needs—we help public health departments and agencies develop comprehensive Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP) that address those needs. Our CHIP services translate CHNA data into strategic, actionable plans that promote long-term health equity and improvement.

We use a collaborative approach that prioritizes the input of stakeholders and community members. Our strategic planning focuses on:

  • Health Equity Integration
    Ensuring that health interventions reach underserved populations and address the root causes of health inequities.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making
    Using comprehensive data analysis to create strategies that are both effective and measurable, aligned with Healthy People 2030 goals.

  • Continuous Support
    We provide ongoing technical assistance, data monitoring, and strategy adjustments to ensure that health initiatives are adaptable to evolving community needs.

Strategic Consulting for Sustainable Health Improvements

Public Health Accreditation and Compliance

Ascendant Healthcare Partners also supports public health departments in achieving and maintaining Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation. Our CHNA consulting services help agencies meet PHAB standards, ensuring compliance with the latest public health benchmarks and best practices.

We guide health departments through the accreditation process by:

  • Providing Comprehensive Reports
    Our reports meet all PHAB requirements and include detailed data analysis, prioritized health needs, and recommended interventions.

  • Documentation Review
    We assist with reviewing and preparing documentation to meet accreditation standards, ensuring that public health departments are well-prepared for PHAB reviews.

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Flu Preparedness and Prevention in CHNA

Outline how Ascendant’s CHNA services help health departments assess community vulnerability to flu outbreaks and develop strategic health interventions.

Check the full note here

Why Choose Ascendant Healthcare Partners for Your CHNA?

  1. Leaders in MAPP 2.0 Implementation
    As experts in NACCHO’s MAPP 2.0 process, we ensure that your community health assessment is not only comprehensive but also community-driven and equity-focused

  2. Customized, Data-Driven Solutions
    Our tailored approach leverages both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that your CHNA and CHIP are designed to meet the unique needs of your community.

  3. Health Equity Focused
    We prioritize health equity in all of our assessments and strategic plans, ensuring that interventions target the populations most in need.

  4. Ongoing Support
    From the initial assessment to the implementation of your Community Health Improvement Plan, we provide continuous consulting support to adapt to the changing needs of your community.

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