2 HEALTH COMPASS Late Spring 2026 What’s new at CMH Clatsop County health partners release 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment findings In 2025, Clatsop County Public Health, Columbia Memorial Hospital and Providence Seaside Hospital partnered to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the region. CHNAs are used as a tool to identify key community health concerns. The final report was published in January 2026. To complete the report, the organizations conducted interviews, focus groups and surveys to analyze local health data. All research was conducted in English and Spanish. The report identified social drivers of health, access to care and providers, services for Spanish speakers, and mental and behavioral health service as key areas needing further development. This year, the three organizations are developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) as they work to improve the identified health needs. Moments that define great care Erik Thorsen, CEO When I joined CMH’s leadership team in 2003, I knew it was a special place. Over the years, I’ve worked with many exceptional caregivers, and I’m proud to serve as just one member of an outstanding team. The hospital and clinics frequently hear stories and receive cards from grateful patients and family members. I’d like to share a recent patient story about our Emergency Department and Inpatient teams: A patient was seen in the Emergency Department for respiratory distress and was later admitted to the Critical Care Unit. Her husband reported that from the second she arrived, she was treated with phenomenal care, and they couldn’t have asked for better care. He specifically mentioned the Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit and Nutrition Services Staff. He wanted to call out the Emergency Department doctor, Sergio Camba, MD, in particular, who stayed with her until 1 a.m., despite his shift ending at 9 p.m., saying, “He saved her life.” Stories like this are humbling reminders of the trust our community has in our care, and they are encouraging tributes that motivate us to continue with our mission. Thank you for your continued support of CMH and our team. We’re honored to play an important role for so many of you in our community. Electronic versions of the report in English and Spanish can be accessed at columbiamemorial.org/chna.
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