Community Health Needs Assessment

About the Assessment


The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) occurs every three years and includes a combination of community input and an analysis of the community heath data. It allows the Health Department and Onslow Memorial Hospital to understand what residents see as the most important health issues affecting the community. It provides the foundation for improving and promoting good health in our community.

In 2021, the CHNA was developed through a partnership between the Onslow County Health Department (OCHD), Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH), and other community stakeholders. This report describes the process and findings of the CHNA for the residents of our county.

Cover image for the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment

Onslow County is pleased to present its 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment.  This report provides an overview of the methods and process used to identify and prioritize significant needs in Onslow County.

Click the image on the left to view the full assessment.

For additional information regarding the CHNA, please contact community_relations@onslowcountync.gov

Community Health Improvement Plans 

The Community Health Needs Assessment identified areas of need within our community. Health priorities were selected by the Community Health Advisory Team (CHAT) and improvement plans were developed to address identified health priorities. Over the next three years, the Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) will guide Onslow County in addressing identified areas of need.

  1. Healthy Living
  2. Health Equity & Health Disparities
  3. Mental & Behavioral Health
  4. Physical Activity & Exercise

healthy Living

The Healthy Living CHIP will focus on all people in Onslow County having access and increased awareness of community resources needed to ensure healthy living. 

Programs include:

  • Faithful Families: A faith-based nutrition education program.
  • Breastfeeding Friendly Designations: Promote, protect and support breastfeeding in community organizations.
  • Women's and Children's Health Services: Increase awareness of OCHD and OMH services supporting women and children.
  • Healthy For Life: An American Heart Association (AHA) evidence-based nutrition and well-being education program.

Community Health Advisory Team 

Onslow County Health Department's Community Health Advisory Team (CHAT) is a multidisciplinary team comprised of governmental, non-profit, and community agencies that work to further the goals of public health in our community. One of the responsibilities of the CHAT is to complete the Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plans. The CHAT includes members from mental/behavioral health agencies, hospitals, civic organizations, faith-based institutions, the military community, law enforcement, health department, county government, educational institutions, child health & welfare, and concerned citizens.

If you would like to join the CHAT, meetings are bi-monthly and you can email community_relations@onslowcountync.gov for more information or to get involved.


State of the County Health Report (SOTCH)

In North Carolina, the state requires each local health department to conduct a CHNA every three or four years. Onslow County conducts the CHNA every three years.  During the years between health assessments, health departments must submit an abbreviated State of the County Health (SOTCH) report.

Throughout this report, local programs and initiatives will highlight the progress in addressing the top health issues as identified by Onslow residents.

Click here to access the 2020 SOTCH.

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SOTCH Report Library

  1. 2017 SOTCH.pdf
  2. 2018 SOTCH.pdf
  3. 2019 SOTCH.pdf