Throughout the month of March and April, Mizell Memorial Hospital will be administering a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act enacted section 501(r) of the internal code which requires all 501 (c)(3) charitable hospitals, such as Mizell to conduct a CHNA at least once every three years.

“The first step in the process is to make sure everyone in the community is aware of the survey and how to gain access to it,” CEO Jana Wyatt said. “We are looking for as many respondents as possible to have a meaningful assessment. Anyone and everyone 18 and above who resides in our service area is encouraged to participate.”

The most convenient way to access and complete the survey is to go to Mizell’s website www.mizellmh.com and click on the CHNA survey button.

Paper copies will also be available at various locations around the community, including the hospital switchboard.

A paper survey, along with a self addressed, stamped envelope for easy return may be requested by calling 334- 493-5511.

Participants are encouraged to include comments at the end of the survey realizing that it would be impossible to cover every health situation by utilizing the questionnaire alone.

“The purpose of the CHNA is to find out the particular health needs of our community and then determine how we as a hospital can best meet those needs,” Wyatt said. “We are especially looking for comments about new or desired services. Of equal importance is to know of any hindrances that limit access to care. Comments may also address health concerns for household dependents not completing the survey.”

Each hospital must also adopt an implementation strategy to meet the community health needs indentified through the CHNA and make the final report widely available to the community to continue to be recognized as a tax exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.

“Mizell is excited to hear from the community and receive valuable feedback that will be used in its annual strategic planning session with the board in late August,” she said. “We also look forward to sharing the final report with community by late September.