Middlebury, VT – October 30, 2024 – University of Vermont Health – Porter Medical Center has released the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) report for Addison County. Key findings build on the previous report from 2021 and highlight a need for more health care access, especially mental health and substance use services. The report also shows an unmet housing need is having a negative impact on overall community health.

“Understanding the immediate health needs of our community is crucial for developing effective strategies and interventions,” said Bob Ortmyer, President of Porter Medical Center. “The insights gained from this assessment will help guide our work to improve health equity and ensure all residents of Addison County can access the health care services they need.”

The report recommends that organizations in Addison County focus on:

• Access to Health Care: Remove barriers to accessing primary care and specialty services, with a focus on rural and underserved populations.
• Housing: Address high need for affordable housing, including options that meet specific population needs such as housing for older adults.
• Mental Health and Substance Use: There’s a significant need for enhanced mental health services and substance use prevention and treatment services, especially in the wake of COVID-19 which caused increased social isolation and stress.
• Social Determinants of Health: The impact of social and economic factors such as cost of living, housing and transportation on health outcomes.
   

The organizations involved with the CHNA process will continue addressing these identified needs and work towards actionable solutions. Community members are encouraged to review the findings and reach out with any comments.

“The community voice is strong. From surveys to direct conversations, group chats and collegial deliberations, this report represents what people in our community are feeling,” said Craig Stevens, District Director at the Vermont Department of Health Middlebury District Office.

Next steps include the creation of a community-driven action plan, called the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which will be formed in the coming months to share a recommended approach to addressing these findings.

Porter Senior Community Health Liaison, Amanda Froeschle, will work closely with community partners over the coming months to create the CHIP. “We appreciate our community partners for their help ensuring we heard from community members during this process, especially our underserved populations,” said Froeschle. “The priorities reflected in this report are all deeply intertwined. To address health needs, especially for populations who face the greatest barriers to health, it will require collaboration across sectors.”

Conducted every three years, in collaboration with community-based organizations in Addison County, the CHNA is built on data collection, community surveys and focus groups with community members.

Read the full report at https://uvmmed.hn/CHNA24.
Public comments about the CHNA are welcome. Email Amanda Froeschle (afroeschle@portermedical.org)