Community Health Assessment
- Elizabeth Gibson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Grundy County
Health Department
Releases Community Health Assessment
Report identifies local health needs, community strengths
The Grundy County Health Department, in collaboration with numerous local organizations, has completed its
Community Health Assessment, providing a comprehensive overview of the health, well-being, and needs of county residents.
The assessment combines feedback from hundreds of residents with local and statewide health data, as well as the expertise of public health professionals, to identify the most pressing health challenges in Grundy County and guide strategic planning efforts.
"This report helps us focus on what matters most to the people of Grundy County,” said GCHD Administrator Elizabeth Gibson. “It helps ensure that our programs and services reflect the real, everyday needs of our residents.”
The assessment was developed over several months of collaboration with Ozarks Public Health Institute, local partners, organizations, and residents. The process began in March 2025, with group discussions, community meetings and residents providing input through surveys. Combined with state and national data, this input offers a reliable picture of health challenges, social conditions, and overall quality of life in the county.
Residents Highlight Top Health Priorities
In September 2025, GCHD, with support from the Ozarks Public Health Institute, conducted a Community Context Assessment Survey. More than 230 residents participated, and a workgroup of 26 community partners helped shape the county’s public health mission and vision.
Residents prioritized several health issues, which will guide public health efforts in the coming years:
Healthcare access
Mental health, substance misuse, and suicide
Cancer prevention
Cardiovascular disease
They also highlighted health behaviors affecting these issues:
Physical inactivity
Tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and drug use/misuse
Health screenings
Personal healthcare and stress management
Poor diet
Social Drivers of Health
Residents noted key social factors that significantly influence overall health, including:
Food security
Healthcare access
Safe and affordable housing
Education
Poverty
Looking Ahead
GCHD will use the assessment findings to guide future programs, partnerships, and public health initiatives. The department, along with the community partners, will reconvene in the coming months to develop actionable strategies to address these issues.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to every resident, partner, and organization who contributed,” Gibson said. “Their insights help enable us to plan effectively, respond thoughtfully, and continue working toward a healthier Grundy County.”
The full Community Health Assessment is available to the public on the GCHD website.
The Health Assessment was developed in partnership with the following organizations, alongside the Grundy County Health Department and the Ozarks Public Health Institute:
Church Women United
City of Trenton
Eastview Manor Care Center
Family & Friends of the Developmentally Disabled
Green Hills Head Start
Green Hills Regional Planning Commission
Grundy County Commission
Grundy County Emergency Management Agency
Grundy County Emergency Medical Services
Nestle
North Central Missouri College
North Central Missouri Mental Health Center
Serve Link Home Care
Spickard R-2 School
Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Trenton Police Department
Sunnyview Nursing Home
Trenton Municipal Utilities
Trenton Fire Department
Wright Memorial Hospital
Grundy County residents
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