The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is completed through a collaborative process in which community members gain insight into health concerns and resources within the county. This CHNA was completed as a joint effort between the Burke County Health Department (BCHD) and Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge, along with the organizations/individuals that comprise the Burke Wellness Initiative.

The assessment was developed on four pillars split into primary and secondary data. The two components of primary data resulted from both survey and focus group data from Burke County residents, regarding health and social issues that impact the health of the people living in Burke County. The primary data was collected from 1,049 completed surveys and approximately 81 focus group attendees. The two pillars of secondary data were gathered from state, national and local statistics. Information from this community health needs assessment reveals the health and quality of like in Burke County while identifying the strengths, challenges and resources in the community.

In September 2019, the Burke Wellness Initiative and additional community partners reviewed the top five health and social issues identified in the results of the community survey and focus groups. The group participated in a prioritization exercise to determine the priorities to develop into a comprehensive Community Health Improvement Plan. The top three priorities identified for the 2019 CHNA are:

• Heart Disease and Stroke
• Substance Use Disorder
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)