As a follow up to the study conducted in 2001, EMHS contracted with the Center for Health Policy, Planning and Research (CHPPR) at the University of New England (led by Ron Deprez, PhD. MPH) to determine changes in health status and barriers to care since 2001. The 2007 Community Health Needs Assessment was funded again as a community service of Healthcare Charities, the philanthropic subsidiary of EMHS. Their generous contribution to the 2001 study led to numerous grants and health improvement initiatives throughout the region; it is hoped that the 2007 study will continue those efforts.

Any healthcare organization, social service agency, civic group or other interested party is encouraged to access the site and use the data for planning, grant writing or other activities. Soon a portal will be added to that site where additional data will be posted, and parties using the site will be encouraged to post ideas for local health improvement initiatives and the sharing of experiences across the region. Further questions on the study are welcome by contacting the EMHS Department of Planning, in care of its director, Jean Mellett, at jmellett@emh.org.

Jerry Whalen, vice president of EMHS Business Development, discusses the Community Health Needs Assessment. (Audio File) The Aroostook Medical Center, LiveWell Radio Chat, aired September 10,12, and 14, 2007.