February 26, 2025

Capital Area, MI – Healthy! Capital Counties (H!CC) has officially released the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a comprehensive report that identifies key health challenges and priorities across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. This assessment provides valuable insights into the region’s health status and serves as a foundation for collaborative efforts to improve community well-being.

As part of the Healthy! Capital Counties initiative, the CHNA report was developed in partnership by Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Mid-Michigan Health Department, and Ingham County Health Department, along with the local hospital systems. The CHNA, conducted every three years, provides a comprehensive picture of community health by analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. This includes information from vital records, health surveys, and community focus groups. The assessment goes beyond traditional health measures—such as chronic disease rates and mortality—to explore the impact of social determinants of health, including access to affordable housing, education, and economic stability. The CHNA offers a detailed picture of the status of health of the tri-county area and identifies priorities to improve community well-being.

Through community input and data analysis, the 2024 CHNA has identified access to health care, behavioral health, and housing as the top health priorities in the region. These issues significantly impact overall health and quality of life, and addressing them will be a key focus for public health efforts moving forward.

“A community’s health is shaped by more than just medical care,” said Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer. “By gathering input directly from residents and using data-driven insights, we can work together to develop strategies that address health inequities and improve the quality of life for everyone in our region.”

The information gathered through this process helps guide public health initiatives, inform policy decisions, and support local organizations in their efforts to build a healthier community. Residents were encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives through community surveys and discussions during this cycle and will continue to have opportunities to do so in future cycles.

To view the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment or to get involved, visit:  www.healthycapitalcounties.org.