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(Hyannis, October 3, 2016) Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) has released its FY2017-FY2019 Community Health Needs Assessment Report and Implementation Plan. Every three years, Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare’s two acute-care hospitals, jointly conduct a Community Needs Health Assessment. The report outlines the findings of the assessment and identifies the significant health needs of Barnstable County residents. Regional health indicator data was collected, analyzed and augmented with community input from over 140 individuals and 90 community-based health and human service agencies. “The Community Health Needs Assessment is an important tool to inform both us and the community of the most pressing health needs facing our region,” said Terri Ahern, CCHC Senior Vice President, Strategy and Government Affairs. “The input from residents, local public health officials and community organizations was critical in our efforts to identify the specific needs of vulnerable populations and opportunities for health improvement activities.” Four significant health priorities for Barnstable County were identified based on their severity, scope, frequency and resources available to address them: • Chronic and infectious diseases • Behavioral health (Mental health and Substance Use Disorders) • Access to care • Disease prevention and wellness The report also identifies sub-priorities and target populations for each of the four health priorities. An Implementation Plan is also included in the report and identifies strategies to guide the hospitals’ community health initiatives, community investments, and opportunities for strategic partnerships to improve health in the region over the next three years. The report was made publically available on September 30, 2016 on CCHC’s website. CCHC encourages residents and agencies to review and comment on the report. To download the report, please visit: www.capecodhealth.org/about/caring-for-our-community/. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 5,100 employees and 800 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, the Cape’s only local laboratory service and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org. Visit our health news site www.onecapehealthnews.com for the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news.