Community Health Assessments

Community health assessment (CHA) is the foundation for improving and promoting the health of community members. The role of community assessment is to identify factors that affect the health of a population and determine the availability of resources within the community to adequately address these factors.

It is a "systematic collection, assembly, analysis, and dissemination of information about the health of the community". In North Carolina, a CHA is conducted in each county at least every 48 months. In between Community Health Assessments, counties conduct annual State of the County Health reports (SOTCH).

Participants

Through collaborative efforts forged among community leaders, public health agencies, businesses, hospitals, private practitioners, and academic centers, a community assessment team works to identify, collect, analyze, and disseminate information on community assets, strengths, resources, and needs.

A Community Health Assessment usually culminates in a report or a presentation that includes information about the health of the community as it is today and about the community's capacity to improve the lives of residents. By providing the basis for discussion and action, Community Health Assessment is the foundation for improving and promoting the health of community members.

2017 State of the County Health Report 

2016 Community Health Assessment

2015 State of the County Health Report

2014 State of the County Health Report

2014 County Health Rankings

2013 State of the County Health Report

2012 Community Health Assessment Executive Summary

2012 Community Health Assessment