Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital launch comprehensive surveys to evaluate the health needs of Jackson and Swain counties

SYLVA & BRYSON CITY, NC – Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, in partnership with local health professionals and community stakeholders, have launched comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to better understand and address the most pressing health issues in Jackson and Swain counties.

As part of this effort, two distinct surveys will be conducted—one focused on Jackson County through Harris Regional Hospital and the other on Swain County through Swain Community Hospital. These assessments are designed to identify current health challenges, set priorities, and guide future investments in community health.

A CHNA is a systematic approach to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on the overall health of a community. It helps pinpoint the factors that influence well-being and evaluates the availability of local resources to address them.

Harris and Swain completed CHNAs three years ago and are now measuring progress while identifying what still needs to be done. Both assessments are expected to be completed in May, with the findings shared publicly in a report and community presentation.

“We’re excited to launch this new cycle of community health assessments and to build on the important progress we’ve made since our last CHNA,” said Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “By listening to the voices of those who live and work in Jackson and Swain counties, we can better tailor our services and focus our efforts on what matters most to our communities.”

Each CHNA will combine new data with information previously gathered by local, state, and federal health agencies. This blend of insight will help develop strategies that reflect the unique needs of each county.

In June, community focus groups will be conducted to gather local perspectives on the surveys’ findings. Residents, hospital employees, and providers will be asked to weigh in on current health issues and the changes they’d like to see in their communities. This input will help define future health priorities.

“The surveys will allow us to hear directly from the community about their concerns and ideas for improving health in Jackson and Swain counties,” said Hindman.

The CHNA process is supported by Strata, a research partner that is collecting and analyzing the data. Results will be reviewed by hospital leadership and shared with hospital boards to inform future planning and service delivery.

After data collection is complete, a Community Health Summit will be held in each county to review key findings and invite public input into the action planning process.

“Our goal is not just to produce a report, but to create a living, breathing plan that leads to meaningful action,” Hindman added. “These assessments are an essential step in ensuring that the people of Jackson and Swain counties have access to the care and support they need to live healthier lives.”

Residents of both counties are encouraged to take the surveys at any time.

The survey for Jackson County residents can be accessed directly by visiting MyHarrisRegional.com/community-health-assessment. The survey for Swain County residents can be access directly by visiting MySwainCommunity.com/community-health-assessment.