Gives BackNews & Media
Health First Taking Steps to Address Community Health Needs
Rockledge, FL (December 16, 2019) - Health First is pleased to announce its Board of Trustees has approved a three-year plan to help meet the healthcare needs of our community. As a result of the recently completed Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), Health First leadership has recommended the following disparities be addressed:
- Access to healthcare
- Nutrition, physical activity and weight
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all not-for-profit hospitals to conduct a CHNA once every three years. The CHNA is a systematic process that identifies and analyzes unmet community health needs for prioritization, planning and action. Efforts are measured and tracked to ensure improvements are being made in the identified areas.
"Health First is maximizing its resources by addressing the top two priorities we feel will make the greatest impact over the next three years," said Michael Seeley, President, Health First Foundation. â??The implementation strategies to address the disparities identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment will focus on wellness and helping people gain access to healthcare. Health First will continue to collaborate with our community partners to fulfill our mission of creating a healthier Brevard County."
Health First's total value to the community in fiscal year 2018 totaled more than $171 million, including more than $106 million in mission-driven community benefits. Health First has established partnerships with numerous local organizations to help address the disparities including:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
- Brevard County Parks & Recreation Department
- Brevard Health Alliance
- Brevard Public Schools
- Career Source Brevard
- Central Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
- Junior League of South Brevard
- Melbourne Parks & Recreation
- My Community Cares
- Running Zone Foundation
- Sharing Center of Central Brevard
- South Brevard Sharing Center
- Space Coast Blast Sled Hockey
- Space Coast Crew
- Space Coast Youth Multi-Sports
- The Children's Hunger Project
- United Way of Brevard
- UF/IFAS Extension-Brevard County
- Who We Play For
About Health First
Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County's not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully integrated delivery network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services. As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is committed to investing in our community. In 2018, Health First provided more than $171 million in community support. To learn more about Health First and how we're giving back to our community, please visit HFgivesback.org.