Kennedy Krieger conducted a community health needs assessment (CHNA) based on data and community information collected and shared by multiple partners. Because the majority of patients served by Kennedy Krieger are Maryland residents, with patients representing every Maryland county, Kennedy Krieger views the State of Maryland as the community it serves.
This CHNA targets the needs of children and young adults with developmental disabilities and other disorders in Maryland, as well as their families.
The top four priority areas of need identified through this CHNA are:
- Capacity building through knowledge for health professionals and community members to improve health, advocacy and access for children and youth at risk or with disorders of the nervous system and their families.
- Improving access to equitable health services for those who encounter barriers related to geography/distance, opportunity and shortage of providers.
- Advocacy for families and self-advocates through stronger inter-agency, cross-regional partnerships and collaborations
- Progression to adult life: healthcare, legal planning, independent living, employment and self-advocacy.
2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, Kennedy Krieger Institute