The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors approved the hospital’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment during Monday evening’s meeting.
President and CEO Karissa Turner told board members the assessment is required for most tax-exempt 501(c)(3) hospitals, though Wabash General is exempt as a district hospital. Turner said the hospital chose to complete the more than 50-page report anyway as part of its strategic planning process and commitment to the community.
The assessment included two in-person focus groups with 21 participants and an online survey that generated 78 responses. Turner thanked local media for helping distribute the survey.
According to the report, Wabash General’s service area has a population of 33,632, which is projected to decline about four percent between 2025 and 2035. About 34 percent of residents are over the age of 55.
When asked what healthcare services are needed but not currently provided, respondents cited additional specialty services including urology, rheumatology, pediatric mental health, oncology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Turner noted several of those services are already available locally, highlighting the need for better public awareness. The hospital is actively recruiting for urology and rheumatology.
Other needs identified included dental care for children on Medicaid, autism support services, expanded pediatric behavioral health, and broader access to basic household needs and youth programs.
Mental health ranked as the most serious health concern facing the community, followed by substance abuse, cancer, obesity, nutrition, and social determinants of health. Turner said the hospital will maintain the same priority areas identified in its 2023 assessment, with mental health services remaining at the forefront.
Survey data also showed high levels of stress among respondents. Forty-three reported moderate stress levels, while 23 indicated high to very high stress. Joint pain, back pain, and obesity were also commonly reported personal health challenges.
Board members discussed what they described as increased openness about mental health issues and the importance of improving access through options such as telehealth and employee assistance programs.
Turner emphasized that while the assessment is not required for Wabash General, it provides valuable insight into how the community perceives its health and where services can be strengthened.
The full Community Health Needs Assessment will now be published on the hospital’s website.