Community Health Needs Assessment Priorities

Mental health ranked as the number one issue of concern facing Hartford residents, as identified in a survey of community leaders and health leaders. In a separate survey, school nurses identified behavioral health as the top concern facing children in Hartford schools, with violence ranking as the third highest concern. In addition, residents of our focus groups identified a dire need for more mental and behavioral health services, particularly for children. They also noted that depression among young children in Hartford is a need that must be addressed.

School Readiness

Community leaders and health leaders interviewed during our key informant session indicated an interest in learning more about education gaps in Hartford and how to address them. Their questions and comments centered on how absenteeism and transportation contribute to academic outcomes; whether affordability affects Pre-K and after school program participation; and how the Hartford curriculum compares to other districts. Residents who participated in our focus groups expressed concerns about a lack of affordable childcare, early learning opportunities, and children’s programming at library branches. School nurses identified a need for hospitals to assist with the provision of supplies as well as educational materials for students, teachers, classrooms and schools.

Community leaders and health leaders interviewed during our key informant session identified food insecurity, which is a major contributor to childhood obesity, as the second issue of highest concern for Hartford residents. During focus groups, residents identified childhood obesity as one of the most pressing issues facing both children and adults. They named food deserts as a major factor in the obesity crisis, noting that their neighborhoods lack supermarkets, which reduces opportunities to access fresh fruits or vegetables. School nurses identified nutrition and a lack of opportunity to exercise as two of the five biggest health problems facing Hartford children. They also identified a lack of access to healthy foods and a lack of safe, stimulating play spaces as barriers that prevent children from maintaining healthy weight.

In a survey, community leaders and health leaders identified “poverty/food insecurity/lack of transportation” and “general lack of health care” as pressing issues for Hartford families. Other issues of concern included “housing affordability,” “income inequality and segregation,” and “housing quality/healthy homes.” During focus groups, residents identified asthma, injuries, accessing health services, and a lack of urgent care centers as top issues affecting children. School nurses identified a need to educate families to utilize primary care physicians, as opposed to emergency departments, which they stated is critical to ensuring continuity of care for optimal health.