MUSC Health - Lancaster Division Releases 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment Results

Last year, MUSC Health – Lancaster Division, conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to assess the health care needs of the residents of Chester and Lancaster counties. MUSC Health views this 2021 CHNA as a demonstration of our commitment and dedication to the community to improve health outcomes for those we serve.

The assessment was open to residents of Chester and Lancaster counties. Patients, clinical experts, nonprofit organizations and community members shared their voices regarding the health needs of this area through online and paper surveys that were deployed throughout the communities. With the help of more than 15 community partners, more than 1,200 survey responses were received. Those partners include:

As a result of the data that was collected and analyzed, the following five major health needs were identified: 

1. Mental Health
2. Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
3. Maternal, Infant, and Child Health
4. Access to Care
5. Oral Health

J. Scott Broome, MHA, MAIS, FACHE, MUSC Health – Lancaster Division CEO said, “MUSC is dedicated to changing what’s possible in health care. As we lead initiatives and programs to address the issues that residents of our area shared, we look forward to strategic partnerships within the Chester and Lancaster communities to have an even greater impact on making our communities stronger and healthier.”

“MUSC looks forward to playing a critical role in the next steps and action plan the community develops as a result of this report.” said Portia Brown, External Affairs & Strategic Engagement Lead. “We hope this assessment inspires collective action among diverse community stakeholders – nonprofits, healthcare organizations, local and municipal government agencies, school districts, businesses, faith communities and individual citizens – to truly make a difference in addressing the health needs of this community.”

With respect to tackling these five key health needs, MUSC Health is committed to working with community partners to share progress, identify and address challenges, and continuously improve the quality of our efforts to best serve this region.