As a Catholic health ministry, we are called to care for one another. Every three years, hospitals across our ministry collaborate with like-minded organizations, including other hospital systems, local nonprofits, social services and agencies, charitable foundations, and many others to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment, or CHNA. The findings from these evaluations help us better understand the greatest need within our service areas, with a special focus on those who are poor and vulnerable.
Using the data and information gathered, we collaborate with our community partners to develop solutions reflected in a Community Health Improvement Plan, or CHIP. Each improvement plan contains strategies to address an identified need, as well as root causes affecting the health and well-being of persons in our communities.
The current CHNA includes the collection and analysis of data covering community conditions and social drivers of health, protective and risk factors, and health conditions and outcomes at the urban, county, state, and national level. The data is enhanced by focus groups, key informant interviews, and a community survey. Both the quantitative and qualitative data were used to inform a health and well-being prioritization process.
View a copy of our 2025 Androscoggin County Maine Shared CHNA here and St. Mary’s Health System’s CHIP here.