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Together for a healthier region

Key findings from the 2026 Regional Community Health Needs Assessment

People across our region face real health challenges every day. Adena Health’s 2026 Regional Community Health Needs Assessment (Regional CHNA) brings those needs into focus so we can work together on solutions that truly make a difference. This work helps our organization partner closely with local leaders, community organizations, and grant funders to build a community-focused plan that strengthens health and well-being in our communities.

It also lays essential groundwork for the Adena 2030 strategic plan, which charts a long-term path to improving access, advancing prevention, and reinforcing our commitment to elevating health outcomes across south central and southern Ohio. Adena serves a nine-county service area — Fayette, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton — where many of the nearly 400,000 residents live in rural or Appalachian communities.

These areas face longstanding challenges like limited transportation, fewer local providers, and economic stress. These everyday realities make it harder for people to stay healthy and connected to care, contributing to higher rates of chronic disease, behavioral health needs, and preventable deaths across the region. Since 1895, Adena has remained committed to proactive, community-driven health improvement, and we invite residents and partners to join us in building a healthier region together.

Guiding our communities toward better health

Purpose of the Regional CHNA. Learn why community health needs assessments matter.

Adena Health conducted the 2026 Regional CHNA to create a clear, shared picture of the health realities across our nine-county service area — the barriers residents face, the disparities that persist, and the gaps that most urgently require coordinated action.

This regional overview serves as a key evidence- based lens that informs the vision for Adena 2030 and strengthens the system’s long-term focus, investments, partnerships, and programs that expand access and improve health outcomes across the region.

Regional CHNA methodology. Explore the methodology behind a community health needs assessment.

The 2026 Regional CHNA brings together what we heard from residents with trusted public health data. We reviewed local health trends, hospital use, and the everyday challenges families face across our nine Appalachian counties.

Insights came from individual county CHNAs, community member surveys and listening sessions, and conversations with local community partners. We also used information from county health departments, the Ohio Department of Health, and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, developed with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Together, these sources help us understand what’s impacting health throughout our south central and southern Ohio communities, and where support is needed most.

Adena 2030 strategic plan. View Adena’s 2030 strategic plan and how it guides what we do.

Adena 2030 is our five-year strategic plan — a clear roadmap for how we will continue advancing care for the people and communities we serve, while supporting the long-term vitality of our region.

It’s more than a plan — it’s a commitment to ensuring high-quality, accessible care remains strong and local for generations to come.

Learn more about the Adena 2030 strategic plan here.

“The community health needs assessment shows families aren’t struggling because of poor quality care — they’re struggling because access is too hard. We’re responding with investments in workforce, transportation, and navigation.”
— Kathi Edrington, president and CEO, Adena Health

Rural health systems nationwide face challenges

Conditions every rural provider must navigate

Rural health systems nationwide work through complex barriers that make access to care and better health outcomes more difficult. The realities below aren’t unique to Adena. They reflect the environment in which rural health care providers across the country operate every day, and they shape the work we do to deliver high-quality care to the communities we’re honored to serve.

To learn more, visit page 4 of the Regional CHNA.

“Our clinical and leadership teams work together to expand what’s possible locally so more patients can get high-quality care without traveling outside the region. People in our service area deserve excellent care close to home, and we strive to make that a reality every day.”
— Emily Johnson, MD, chief medical officer, Adena Medical Group

Our nine-county region’s priority health needs

Taking action on the challenges residents experience most

After surveying residents, reviewing local data, and understanding the realities our communities face, we identified six major health needs affecting people in our nine-county service area. These priorities reflect the most pressing challenges affecting families today — what they mean for daily life and how Adena and community partners are taking targeted action in response.

To learn more, visit page 8 of the Regional CHNA.

“With [school-based health] resources, we have the chance to change young people’s lives in elementary through high school and beyond. This is our chance to impact multiple generations.”
— John Gabis, MD, Adena medical director of community partnerships

From commitment to action

Adena’s community focused mission

To turn community insights into meaningful progress, we defined a set of focus areas supported by a coordinated action plan. Together, these strategic pillars guide how we expand access, strengthen behavioral health, support families, and address the social conditions shaping health across our region.

To learn more, visit page 10 of the Regional CHNA.

Driving impact across our communities

Advancing better health across every community we serve

Adena has been a trusted health care partner for families across our rural region for more than 130 years. Our deep roots in the area guide every investment we make to expand access, support families, and improve health. These examples show the progress we’re making together — and the momentum we’re building for the future.

Access to care | Adena Mobile Clinic

“We bring primary care, screenings, and health education directly to underserved rural communities.”
— Holly Tackett, nurse practitioner

Workforce and access to care | Shawnee State University partnership

“Together with Adena, we’ve expanded local pathways into health care careers, addressing critical provider shortages in the region.”
— Dr. Eric Andrew Braun, president, Shawnee State University

Image of Sara Ramsey standing in front of Waverly High School

Youth health and wellness | Coats for kids

“Thanks to Adena and other community partners, our students have benefited from the Coats for Kids distribution effort.”
— Sara Ramsey, director of special programs, Waverly School District

Chronic disease | Scioto Valley YMCA

“The YMCA partners with Adena on programs that help cancer survivors regain strength, support diabetes prevention, and pre-surgery readiness for orthopedic patients.”
— Steve Clever, chief executive officer, Scioto County YMCA

To learn more, visit page 12 of the Regional CHNA.

“We’re proud of the progress Adena teams are making across the communities we serve, but we also know meaningful, lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It takes strong partnerships and a shared commitment. By working together with our community partners, we can continue improving the health of our region and make a real, lasting impact.”
— Luis Figueroa, vice president, external affairs