What is the function of the Community Health Needs Assessment?

The function of the Community Health Needs Assessment is to identify health priorities and community resources. This assessment is a systematic process that gathers data about the health status and needs of a community. By engaging with various stakeholders, including residents, healthcare providers, and local organizations, the assessment seeks to pinpoint the most pressing health issues affecting the population. This information helps in prioritizing health initiatives and directing resources effectively, ensuring that health interventions are tailored to meet the specific needs of the community. Understanding these priorities also allows for strategic planning and the allocation of funding to address health disparities.

In contrast, evaluating healthcare workers' performance, monitoring healthcare costs, and surveying patient satisfaction levels are important functions within the healthcare system but do not encapsulate the main objective of a Community Health Needs Assessment, which is focused on identifying and addressing community health challenges and resources.