Akron Children’s Hospital has released its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), pinpointing mental and behavioral health, access to care, and health information as critical areas for focus over the next three years. This comprehensive assessment gathered input from over 1,400 individuals across 11 counties in Northeast Ohio, including families, youth, health professionals, and community leaders.
Candace Drzik, community benefit and CHNA coordinator at Akron Children’s, emphasized the importance of community input: “This assessment is an opportunity for us to listen to the people who are closest to the issues. Their voices guide how we focus our efforts, services, and partnerships.”
Key concerns raised include the need for mental and behavioral health services, challenges in accessing care due to long wait times and travel distances, and the necessity for accurate, timely health information. These insights will inform the hospital’s implementation strategy plan, set to be released in spring 2026.
By addressing these priorities, Akron Children’s aims to enhance the well-being of children and families throughout the region.