WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department has unveiled its latest Community Health Assessment (CHA), offering a comprehensive overview of the health and wellness of county residents. The detailed report, released this month, identifies critical health concerns, highlights areas for improvement, and serves as a roadmap for fostering a healthier community.
“How healthy is Chester County?” asked Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department. “The Community Health Assessment answers this question by highlighting our community’s unique challenges and opportunities. This report is not only a tool for our health department but a call to action for our entire community. Together, we can address these challenges and create lasting change.”
The CHA is conducted every three to five years and examines a broad range of health indicators. These include chronic disease rates, behavioral health concerns, healthcare accessibility, and social determinants of health such as income, education, and affordable housing. By analyzing this data, the report provides an in-depth understanding of the county’s health landscape and lays the groundwork for targeted health improvement initiatives.
Key Findings
Several important insights emerged from the assessment, including:
- Growing Health Disparities: Despite Chester County’s position as one of the healthiest counties in Pennsylvania, widening disparities in chronic disease outcomes and maternal and child health were identified.
- Mental Health Concerns: Mental and behavioral health continue to be a top priority, with more residents identifying them as critical health issues than any other category.
- Cost of Living Challenges: High living costs and limited affordable housing were highlighted as significant barriers by survey respondents, with two-thirds identifying affordability as a major issue.
These findings stem from extensive community engagement efforts, including a Community Health and Wellness Survey completed by over 4,000 residents and discussions with local stakeholders.
Next Steps
The Chester County Health Department plans to create a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address the findings of the assessment. This plan, developed in collaboration with community partners, will outline actionable strategies to tackle health disparities, enhance mental health care, and address cost-of-living concerns.
“We’re committed to improving the health and well-being of every resident in Chester County,” Franklin emphasized. “This assessment gives us the data to drive meaningful action, but it’s through community support and collaboration that we’ll make real progress.”
The CHA results will be shared with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to galvanize collective efforts in addressing the county’s pressing health challenges. The Health Department aims to empower residents and partners in building a stronger, healthier Chester County.
The CHA is available to the public and can be downloaded on the Chester County Health Department’s website at https://www.chesco.org/5772/2025-Community-Health-Assessment. Residents and community partners are encouraged to review the report and join community initiatives to help make Chester County healthier for all.
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