TidalHealth wants your opinions in Community Health Needs Assessment

SALISBURY, Md. – The TidalHealth hospital system is working to identify community health needs in a new Community Health Needs Assessment survey.

“It’s like a community check-up. It helps us see what’s working, and where we need to continue to focus for our community’s health,” said Kat Rodgers, TidalHealth’s Director of Community Health Initiatives.

“We want to hear from everybody,”

Every three years, hospital officials survey residents 18 years old and up in Somerset, Sussex, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.

“We’re trying to get a collection of diverse voices. We want to hear from everybody on what matters to them when it comes to health… We’ll use this information, along with other data, to prioritize initiatives and strategies, and collaborate with partners in the community,” Rodgers said.

Top Challenges, Community Meetings

Over the years, access to health care and a lack of transportation have continued to be top community needs, Rodgers said. The ability to manage chronic conditions and behavioral health challenges also remains a top priority, said Rodgers.

“We continue to move the needle, and try to improve health outcomes along those areas,” Rodgers said.

In January, TidalHealth will hold a series of one-hour in-person and virtual informational sessions.

“It will be almost like a group interview. There will be a facilitator asking some questions, and just having a dialogue about health and what matters to people in the room,” Rodgers said.

Meeting Dates, Locations, and Information

Virtual community health needs assessment meetings will take place on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 12:00 p.m. for pregnant adults or mothers.
• Thursday, Jan. 9 at 10:00 a.m. for adults with substance use disorder and/or family members and friends of adults with substance use disorder.
• Thursday, Jan. 9 at 2:00 p.m. for adults living in Sussex County, Del.
• Friday, Jan. 10 at 10:00 a.m. for adults living in Somerset County, Md.
• Thursday, Jan. 16 at 12:00 p.m. for adults living in Worcester County, Md.
• Friday, Jan 17 at 10:00 a.m. for adults living in Wicomico County, Md.

In-Person community health needs assessment meetings will take place on the following dates and times, and at the listed locations:

• Sunday, Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at St Francis Church in Salisbury, Md. – Members of the Hispanic/Latino community.
• Tuesday, Jan 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in Westover, Md. – Seniors and Older Adults, 8928 Sign Post Road, Suite 3.
• Tuesday, Jan 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the Salisbury Fire Department in Salisbury, Md. – Members of the Haitian community.

To register for an in-person meeting, email ChelseySaari@ascendient.com.