RIVER R
on the needs
We’re taking a detailed look at the health
WEIGHING IN
Based on our
assessment,
weight control is
a chief concern
in the River
Region.
As a nonprofit hospital,
we take our job of caring for the com-
munity very seriously. Our role is to help people live healthier, happier lives.
And with healthcare reform, that role is becoming even more important.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all nonprofit hospitals in the U.S. are
required to conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA) every
three years in order to keep their tax-exempt status.
The goal of the assessment is to identify local health-related issues that
the hospital and others in the surrounding community can work together to
address. Jackson Hospital completed its CHNA in 2013. The survey revealed
six major areas of need: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, access to healthcare,
mental health, obesity, and sexually transmitted infections.
With the knowledge of the community’s top health priorities, Jackson
Hospital is able to focus efforts on improving these areas.
In April of 2014, Jackson Hospital hosted a free community health fair
on campus to address each of the River Region’s six needs. Below you’ll find
more detail about the needs of our community and how Jackson Hospital is
helping to improve the health of the River Region.
OUR COMMUNITY’S
TOP SIX HEALTH NEEDS
1
Cardiovascular
disease
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death
in Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties.
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Montgomery.
• Mortality rates from essential hypertension are higher in Autauga, Elmore
and Montgomery counties compared to Alabama and the United States.
• Heart conditions are among the most common reasons for discharge at
Jackson Hospital.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the top reason for being seen at The
Jackson Clinic, accounting for 28 percent of all visits.
How we are helping
Jackson Hospital has been recognized as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center
by The Joint Commission. This designation is given to hospitals that have
demonstrated that their program meets critical elements of performance to
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