A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) helps health leaders evaluate the health and wellness of the community they serve and identify gaps and challenges that should be addressed through new programs, services and policy changes. This report was developed as part of the Health ENC coalition’s collaborative, regional 2024 CHNA process. Health ENC – a group of stakeholders who help find ways to collaborate and share resources to improve the health of the population in eastern North Carolina – served an integral role in making this comprehensive assessment possible. The report adheres to North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation standards, as well as Internal Revenue Service requirements for not-for-profit hospitals

Vision Statement

Through collaboration between MTW District Health, ECU Health, and community partners, the 2024 CHNA process aspires to create a healthier eastern North Carolina where collaborative action, shared resources, and community engagement converge to eliminate health disparities and build resilient, connected communities that support wellbeing for generations to come.

Tyrrell County CHNA Leadership

Washington County opted for a bi-sectoral approach to the leadership of the 2024 CHNA process, which included representatives from Martin-Tyrrell-Washington (MTW) District Health and ECU Health.

Tyrrell County CHNA Partnerships

The 2024 CHNA process for Tyrrell County included a variety of different stakeholders who assisted with community engagement activities, provided feedback, and participated in the prioritization process.

The Health ENC CHNA Steering Committee and Tyrrell County CHNA Leadership contracted with Ascendient Healthcare Advisors to coordinate the regional CHNA process, including primary and secondary data analysis and development of the contents of this report.

Tyrrell County CHNA Timeline and Process

The Health ENC 2024 process formally kicked off with a collaborative meeting of all participating counties on February 8^th, 2024. It concluded with the delivery of final CHNA reports to all 34 counties on December 20^th, 2024. A summary of key process milestones is shown below.

Secondary (existing) data came from various public sources related to demographics, social determinants of health, environmental health, disease trends, behavioral health trends, and individual health behaviors. Data was evaluated using the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's population health framework and compared to state or national benchmarks to identify areas of concern. Top needs identified through secondary data included health concerns related to physical health and tobacco use, and social or environmental concerns such as education, employment and income, environmental quality, and family, community, and social support, among others. 

Primary (new) data were collected through a focus group and a web-based survey for community members, and included feedback from 52 people who live, work or receive healthcare in Tyrrell County. The focus group was conducted in person, with a variety of community members from different backgrounds, age groups and life experiences.  Primary data identified employment and income, healthcare access and quality, and physical health (chronic diseases, cancer, obesity) as top needs that impact the health and well-being of people living in Tyrrell County.

Tyrrell County representatives collaborated to identify three priority areas to focus on over the next three years, evaluating data based on scope, severity, ability to impact, health disparities, and community importance. The three priority health needs selected (in alphabetical order) are: Access to Quality Healthcare, Chronic Health Conditions, and Mental Health. 

Tyrrell County also compiled a Health Resources Inventory, which describes a variety of resources available to help Tyrrell County residents meet their health and social needs. Following completion of this report, health leaders throughout Tyrrell County will use its findings to collaborate with community organizations and local residents to develop effective health strategies, new implementation plans and interventions, and action plans to improve the communities they serve.

The three priority health needs selected (in alphabetical order) are: Access to Quality Healthcare, Chronic Health Conditions, and Mental Health.