Johns Hopkins Engages Baltimore Residents to Identify Health Needs

Baltimore's healthcare institutions are collaborating with the city health department to gather insights from residents about their pressing health needs. An online Community Health Needs Assessment survey is available for residents to complete until October 9.

This initiative aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community health, as hospitals seek to update health programs that have been in place since the Affordable Care Act mandated such assessments in 2013. However, the hospitals are facing challenges in reaching a sufficient number of participants due to pandemic restrictions that prevent door-to-door outreach.

For the second consecutive time, all hospitals in Baltimore, including those affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, are working together to collect comprehensive feedback for their individual Community Health Needs Assessment plans. The 14-question survey is anonymous and covers various aspects affecting health, including physical, social, and economic factors, along with questions specifically addressing the pandemic's effects.

To further enhance community input, Johns Hopkins has organized six focus groups targeting diverse populations, including homeless individuals, those involved in the justice system, and people struggling with substance use disorders. Additionally, two focus groups will cater specifically to Spanish-speaking residents in the Baltimore area.

Residents can request hard copies of the survey in both English and Spanish by reaching out to [email protected]. Completed surveys will be accepted until October 9. For additional information, interested parties can call 1-800-492-5538.

Reported by HarborBeat based on Johns Hopkins University (source).