Community Urged to Participate in Health Care Needs Assessment

Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (SJMH), together with the Gilmer County Health Department, Lewis County Health Departments, and the Family Resource Network, are encouraging community members to participate in the 2025 Community Healthcare Needs Assessments (CHNA).

“This assessment will provide us with the information we need to better understand interests and needs of our community residents,” said Crystal Lough, Administrator, Lewis County Health Department, a coordinator of the project since 2016. “We can then implement strategies to combat those issues.”

The first phase of the 2025 CHNA is an online survey, which can be found at  https://forms.gle/amBRMBcjrweDg8248. The deadline to complete the survey is March 7.

In 2022, the CHNA revealed the major health care concerns of local citizens were drug usage, obesity, mental health, heart disease and diabetes.

"Conducting a community health assessment is essential in identifying the key health priorities and concerns of our residents," said Lisa Songer, Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, SJMH. "Through previous assessments, we have learned that issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and substance use remain persistent challenges. Understanding these concerns allows us to develop targeted programs, such as fitness events, community wellness initiatives, and educational outreach to promote healthier lifestyles. By participating in this assessment, residents play a crucial role in shaping the resources and services that will help improve the overall health of our community."