Spokane Regional Health District, in partnership with Providence and MultiCare, recently released the 2024–2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Think of this report as a map that helps us understand where our community stands today, where we want to go, and the paths we can take to get there.

Why does this matter? Because your health, and the health of everyone in Spokane County, matters. Just like travelers planning a journey, we need good information to avoid roadblocks and reach our destination: a healthier, stronger community. Built on local data and community input, it reflects SRHD’s commitment to the second goal of our strategic plan - being a model for evidence-based decision making. 

Every good map not only shows the terrain—it helps us find the best routes forward. In Spokane, our CHNA revealed three key areas where the landscape of health can be tough to navigate, but also where we have real opportunities to build smoother paths together:

1. Housing Cost Burden – For many, the climb to stable housing is steep. But with the right tools and teamwork, we can level the ground and make safe, affordable homes more accessible for everyone.
2. Substance Use – Substance use creates rough trails that can lead people away from health and connection. With community support and compassion, we can guide more people back to steady ground.
3. Mental Health – Feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness mark uneven terrain for many. But by strengthening networks of care and belonging, we can build bridges that help people move forward with confidence. 

Even in tough terrain, we have tools and fellow travelers helping us along the way:

• Community Connection – From faith groups to outreach teams, Spokane is full of people ready to help neighbors find their way.
• Collaboration – Local partners, like SRHD, Providence, and MultiCare, are combining resources and knowledge to build better roads forward.
• Action-Oriented Plans – This isn’t just a map of problems—it’s a guide to real, working solutions: housing initiatives, substance use treatment, and expanded mental health services. 

• Share the Map – Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the CHNA. The more people know, the easier it is to travel together.
• Join the Journey – Get involved with local housing groups, addiction recovery services, or mental health efforts.
• Ask for Directions – If you or someone you know needs help, don’t wait. Resources are listed on the CHNA Priorities Resources page. 

The 2024–2025 CHNA is more than a report—it’s our community’s compass. It highlights the tough roads ahead but also marks the rest stops, support stations, and scenic routes we can take together. Everyone in Spokane plays a role in shaping the future. With this map in hand, let’s keep moving forward—toward a healthier place to live, for all.