C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H N E E D S A S S E S S M E N T
St. Clair Hospital has prioritized the following six health issues in the community:
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H N E E D
# 1
Access to Care
The value of access in healthcare cannot be overstated. Access means that you are able to get the screening exam
that facilitates early detection of cancer and prompt treatment. Access means that you consult your primary care
physician about a symptom that may be an indication of a pre-morbid condition, enabling you to reverse the trajectory
of the problem. It means you get vital prenatal care. Access to regular healthcare services keeps people healthier
and helps them manage healthcare problems; it means better outcomes, fewer admissions and lower costs.

Lack of access is still a major problem, however. It takes many
forms and is a major obstacle for many, especially seniors, low
income residents and those who are chronically ill. It can range
from lack of insurance to lack of transportation; it may mean
overwhelming logistical obstacles that confront a person with
disabilities who needs a diagnostic test.

For some, a lack of resources translates into reduced access,
when there are no funds for gas or parking fees, or an
unexpectedly high co-payment. Limits on the insurance plans
ACTION accepted by physicians may limit access to specialists.

When access is problematic, health problems go untreated;
chronic conditions worsen and complications develop —
leading to emergencies and hospital admissions.

Access issues for seniors are critically important, as the
senior population in our community is projected to increase
significantly and seniors are opting to “age-in-place” in
their own homes.

TO ADDRESS LACK OF ACCESS TO CARE,
ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
Collaborate with other non-profits in the region that provide services to seniors
and facilitate coordination among them. St. Clair will act as an advocate
for the senior population;
Free van transportation services will continue,
with increased marketing of the service
in areas of high need, and increased
“batching” of rides; and
In conjunction with the Hospital’s
strategic plan, St. Clair Medical
Services will continue to expand
its physician practices and
their locations.

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C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H N E E D # 2
Behavioral Health
An insufficient number of qualified mental health care providers is a key dimension of this multifaceted problem.

There is a great need for providers, particularly psychiatrists, who can treat children and adolescents
with mental health issues, and for those who can address the growing
and pervasive problem of substance abuse. There is also a need for
detoxification services and substance abuse rehabilitation services
in the community. Mental health services for the elderly are also
inadequate to meet present and anticipated needs, as the number
of seniors will increase in the region.

With the closing of mental health facilities over the past two
decades, families turn to the police and the emergency department
to respond to mental health crises, taxing their resources.

TO ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS,
ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
ACTION
Continue the community-based mental health support groups in collaboration
with other non-profit mental health providers;
Pursue the recruitment of a clinical provider in order to better meet the demand
for more mental health services in the community; and
Integrate mental health services into the St. Clair Medical Services
> Primary Care Physician offices.

St. Clair plans to collaborate with the following community organizations
in executing these initiatives:
Chartiers Mental Health
| Greenbriar Treatment Center
Christ United Methodist Church
| Brookline 3 FOR 1
| | Bridgeville Public Library
St. Clair Medical Services
Gateway Rehab
Community Health Needs Assessment
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