In the Beginning…
For months it had been rolling around in our heads. My concept was a fuzzy notion; Matt’s was a real concept and one that is set to fill a pressing need.
You see, I had this idea that the timing was right to put my affinity for healthcare, communications and community building to work to help improve the health of communities during this time when preventive health seemed to be coming of age. And so it hit me – I had to talk to Matt Richardson, the most savvy public health expert I knew.
Over lunch, Matt listened politely while I went on about the nation’s obvious need to find big strategies that affect the health of large numbers of people. (Not news to him, of course.) Then I asked: Where do you see an opportunity where I can make a difference?
Matt smiled and said, “I’ve been thinking about this idea…”
He went on to tell me his vision of conducting Community Health Needs Assessments to help nonprofit hospitals and other nonprofit organizations have a solid foundation of research specific to their communities.
Right away, I saw how valuable it would be to these organizations to have someone with Matt’s expertise interpret the data in ways that would guide the implementation of effective plans, creating outcomes that would be life-changing for members of those communities.
While there are several organizations who will do six-figure needs assessments, our company – AscentHealth Consulting – specializes in more affordable assessments, while offering a high quality product.
It’s work that both Matt and I are sincerely enthusiastic about because we’ve seen the power of communities that bring people together to solve big problems. Solving the challenges of chronic diseases and creating a culture of wellness will be achieved by committed people armed with a foundation of solid data and a strategic plan driven by measurable results.
In the years to come, we at AscentHealth hope to be part of making many communities healthier.
If you are interested in discussing how a Community Health Needs Assessment and related planning activities can help your organization make a greater impact, please contact Mary Coyne at (806) 670-7440 or Mary@AscentHealthConsulting.com
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