The Atlantic County Division of Public Health presented its plan to improve community health outcomes.

The 2024 Community Health Assessment is the culmination of a year-long project to identify community strengths and challenges with input from a community voices survey, interviews and focus groups.

“The Community Health Assessment is the first step for creating long range plans that promote better health for Atlantic County residents where they live, work and play,” Atlantic County Public Health Officer Kara Janson said.

The CHA found county residents have satisfactory access to a network of community-based organizations and feel supported by local and grassroots advocacy, Janson said. 

Language and cultural barriers, however, can limit access to healthcare for some, while access to health insurance and sufficient Medicaid providers and specialists can also create challenges. Systematic gaps in social services leave some at-risk populations feeling vulnerable.

CHA recommendations include expanding affordable housing initiatives and rental assistance programs to mitigate housing instability; increasing culturally competent mental health services and reducing provider wait times; improving access to fresh, nutritious food resources; investing in public transportation infrastructure to improve mobility and healthcare access; incorporating childcare support in workforce development initiatives; and helping residents understand their health and navigate services through continued  education and support.

Janson also noted that the CHA findings highlight the need for a coordinated response to tackle challenges and drive systematic change. The CHA will serve as a foundation for the upcoming Community Health Improvement Plan.

Key findings

Overall Themes

• Language and cultural barriers profoundly impact healthcare access for Spanish-speaking and African-American communities in the county.
• Access to healthcare and insurance, including a shortage of Medicaid providers and specialists, increases patient wait times.
• Systemic gaps in social services leave vulnerable populations without adequate support.

Community Strengths

• Despite prevailing challenges, Atlantic County residents experience supportive neighborhoods and have access to a network of community-based organizations.
• Overall communities in the County are resilient and supported by local and grassroots advocacy.

Social Determinants of Health

• Transportation, housing, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare education are the primary social determinants impacting residents. These are interconnected in many ways.
• At-risk populations face the greatest disparity. Long-term systemic solutions are needed.
• Advancing health equity is critical.

Health Behaviors

• Health is influenced by structural and individual lifestyle choices, and there remains a significant gap in physical activity and nutrition.
• Mental health and substance misuse are interconnected.

Conclusion and recommendations

• The findings of the Atlantic County Community Health Assessment identify the gaps and barriers experienced by county residents that impact health and quality of life. 
• By addressing priority areas, Atlantic County can cultivate a more equitable and resilient community and advance social well-being. Key recommendations include:
• Expanding affordable housing initiatives and rental assistance programs to mitigate housing instability 
• Increasing the availability of culturally competent mental health services and reducing wait times to see a provider.
• Strengthening food security programs and improving access to fresh, nutritious food, particularly in underserved areas.
• Investing in public transportation infrastructure to improve mobility and healthcare access
• Helping residents understand their health and navigate services through education and support.
• Strengthening workforce development initiatives by incorporating childcare support.

Atlantic County Division of Public Health aims to foster equitable and resilient communities through cross-sector partnerships. 

The CHA findings highlight the need for a coordinated response to tackle immediate challenges and drive systemic change, serving as a foundation for the upcoming Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

These findings offer a data-driven framework for stakeholders to collaborate on targeted interventions addressing health disparities.

The Community Health Assessment 2024 is available online at: https://www.atlanticcountynj.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/23075