The 2023 WICHC Community Health Needs Assessment

The 2023 WICHC CHNA is the first of its kind, representing an unprecedented partnership to align regional efforts and assess the health needs of nearly half of Idaho’s population.

A community health needs assessment (CHNA) is a systematic process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs.

Without the leadership and partnership of the CHNA funders and health partners, this project would not have been successful.

Our Community Told Us Their Top 3 Health Priorities

  • Across all ten counties, in surveys and in focus groups and interviews, there was consensus that unsafe, unaffordable and unattainable housing was a top issue.

    The CHNA report details economic conditions, growth, and other considerations that are contributing to the issue.

    Throughout focus groups and interviews folks spoke to the need for all aspects of housing; supportive, assisted living, senior, affordable, etc.

  • Mental health and substance misuse was a consistent theme on surveys, focus groups and interviews.

    Themes included youth mental health, lack of providers and other services.

  • It’s difficult for community members to receive and afford care across the board, with an emphasis on dental and vision care. Barriers include cost and transportation, among others.

    Language barriers and discrimination across the region are also impacting access to care.

To learn more about the top three community priorities, and more about the health needs of the 10-county region, read the 2023 WICHC CHNA report here: