The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is just that – an “assessment” – that is required for nonprofit hospitals to conduct every three years. This assessment uses a combination of publicly available health data, professional and community interviews, as well as hospital input to help determine areas of focus for the hospitals to address to improve community health outcomes.

In late 2020, United Way of Acadiana approached Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes to conduct the triennial study.

The rationale was simple. The social determinants of health, so often addressed by the health systems, were areas of work that United Way of Acadiana was approaching from the social services side. The community stood to benefit if the social services sector and the health sectors in our community could more closely communicate and align.

Following the initial conversations, the joint assessment covering the region was conducted successfully, with both health systems adopting the assessment in late 2021. We are proud to present the second joint assessment, a collaborative effort between United Way of Acadiana and 12 institutions from Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of Lourdes Health Systems.

By fostering a spirit of cooperation, the joing CHNA seeks to create a more equitable and healthier Acadiana, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing health outcomes for all residents.