BayCare Invites You to Shape the Future of Community Health

BayCare, the largest not-for-profit health care system dedicated to the communities of West Central Florida, is proud to be a part of the All4HealthFL Collaborative, a group of local health departments and hospitals committed to improving community health. As part of this effort, BayCare is urging residents of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties to participate in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, which is open until Oct. 31, 2024. This is the first time Manatee County residents are eligible to participate in the CHNA survey as BayCare prepares for the opening of BayCare Hospital Manatee, its 17th hospital, in 2027. 

BayCare conducts the CHNA every three years to identify the most significant health needs across our region and develop strategies for addressing them. A collaborative process is used to develop the assessments and implementation plans integrating extensive data analysis, community member feedback and in working with community organizations that share our commitment. 

Your Voice Matters 
BayCare understands that health encompasses access to quality care, mental health support, nutrition and overall well-being. The CHNA survey, which is completely anonymous, gives residents an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns regarding these critical health areas. The survey asks questions about access to health care, mental health and substance use, food insecurity and other social determinants that impact health. This feedback is essential in identifying gaps in services and areas where more support is needed. 

Why Is Your Participation Important? 
The CHNA survey is a crucial tool that guides BayCare and other collaborative members in making data-driven decisions to improve community health outcomes. In the previous CHNA conducted in 2022, feedback from nearly 14,000 surveys and other feedback sessions led to several impactful initiatives, including: 

• Health Navigation Services: BayCare helped connect community members to critical resources through platforms like FindHelpFL, which provides information on available local services. 
• Behavioral Health Services: Recognizing the growing need for mental health support, BayCare sponsored mental health first aid courses for first responders, educators and public-facing officials, empowering them to better serve residents experiencing mental health crises. 
• Addressing Food Insecurity: Through innovative programs, BayCare and its partner Feeding Tampa Bay launched efforts to combat food insecurity through Community Food Clinics, school-based food pantries and Healing Bags.  

These initiatives are only a few examples of how valuable survey feedback has been in shaping meaningful health interventions in the greater Tampa Bay area. A recently released 18-month report showed that BayCare’s Community Benefit efforts led to more than a half-million engagements or interventions for the people of West Central Florida. The report highlighted the progress on its three-year CHNA Implementation Plans, efforts that began in January 2023. 

Take The Survey 
By participating in the 2025 CHNA survey, you can help BayCare continue to develop programs that directly address the needs of your community. To take the survey, use this link or scan the QR code below with your smartphone camera.