SGMC Health Community Health Needs Assessment
Assessing community health needs in Lowndes County
South Georgia Research Partners conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for SGMC Health’s Main and Smith Northview campuses in Valdosta. The project examined the health conditions, healthcare challenges, and unmet needs affecting Lowndes County residents.
The assessment combined demographic, socioeconomic, and public health indicators with a community survey completed by 724 residents and a focus group of local leaders. The research evaluated health outcomes, behavioral risk factors, access to care, available healthcare resources, and community perceptions of local needs.
The findings identified behavioral healthcare, access to primary care, chronic disease prevention and management, substance abuse treatment, and community health promotion as priority areas. The assessment provided the evidence used by SGMC Health to develop its implementation plan and guide future community health initiatives.