Download the complete document here: 2021 Polk County Community Health Assessment

Community Results Statement

An empowered, healthy, and whole Polk County.

Leadership for the Community Health Assessment Process

Polk County Health and Human Services Agency's Division of Public Health provides leadership and support for the Community Health Assessment (CHA) process. 

Partnerships

The CHA is facilitated in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital, Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition and many other partners. For a comprehensive list, please see the Collaboration Section in the Community Health Assessment. 

Regional/Contracted Services

Our county received support from WNC Healthy Impact, a partnership and coordinated process between hospitals, public health agencies, and key regional partners in western North Carolina working towards a vision of improved community health. We work together locally and regionally to assess health needs, develop collaborative plans, take action, and evaluate progress and impact. This innovative regional effort is coordinated and supported by WNC Health Network. WNC Health Network is the alliance of stakeholders working together to improve health and healthcare in western North Carolina.

Framework & Model for Action

WNC Health Network provides local hospitals and public health agencies with tools and support to collect, visualize, and respond to complex community health data through Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA). RBA is a disciplined, common-sense approach to thinking and acting with a focus on how people, agencies, and communities are better off for our efforts.

Collaborative Process Summary

Polk County’s collaborative process is supported on a regional level by WNC Healthy Impact. Locally, the CHA team guides our process. This team reviews the data and provides input into health issues of concern. Data summaries for the identified health issues are then brought forth to the community, where health priorities are confirmed. Phase 1 of the collaborative process began in January 2022 with the collection of community health data. For more details on this process see Chapter 1 – Community Health Assessment Process.

• Mental Health

• Prenatal Care

• Substance Misuse