Kent County Health Department Invites Residents to Help Shape Community Health Priorities
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (April 29, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD), in partnership with local hospitals and community organizations, is starting the next cycle of the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and is encouraging residents to share their voices in shaping the future of health in Kent County.
Conducted every three years, the CHNA is a collaborative effort that identifies the most pressing health needs in the community and the resources required to address them. By combining public health data with direct input from residents and organizations, the assessment provides a comprehensive “wellness check” of the community.
“The Community Health Needs Assessment is one of the most important tools we have to understand what our residents are experiencing in their daily lives,” said Maris Brummel, Epidemiologist at KCHD. “Hearing directly from the community helps guide how public health partners shape programs, policies, and investments to reflect what people truly need.”
As part of the 2026 CHNA, KCHD has partnered with ReconMR to conduct a Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS). Approximately 1,200 Kent County adults will be randomly selected to participate.
What residents should know:
- Selected residents may receive a phone call or text message invitation to participate in the BRFS in the coming weeks
- The survey collects information on health behaviors, chronic conditions, and access to care
- Participation is voluntary, and responses are confidential and reported only in summary form
Findings from the assessment will inform a three-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), aligning efforts across hospitals, public health, and community organizations to address shared priorities. In past cycles, thousands of residents have contributed their perspectives, helping guide decision-making across the county.
For more information about the Community Health Needs Assessment or the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, please visit the Kent County Health Department website.
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