Akron Children’s releases new 2025 community health needs assessment
01-13-2026 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio)
Through its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), Akron Children’s has identified mental and behavioral health, access to care and health information as key priorities over the next three years.
The CHNA allows Akron Children’s to gather input from families, youth, health professionals and community leaders to better understand the most pressing health issues facing children and families across the region.
“This assessment is an opportunity for us to listen to the people who are closest to the issues,” said Candace Drzik, community benefit and CHNA coordinator at Akron Children’s. “Their voices guide how we focus our efforts, services and partnerships.”
The 2025 CHNA included feedback from more than 1,400 individuals throughout 11 counties in Northeast Ohio. For the first time, the assessment combined data from both the Akron and Mahoning Valley campuses.
Families, community stakeholders and professionals shared ongoing concerns about mental and behavioral health needs, particularly access to services at younger ages and navigating complex care systems.
Many also reported challenges accessing care due to long wait times, travel distances and limited appointment flexibility.
The assessment also highlighted the importance of reliable, trustworthy health information as families increasingly turn to online sources for medical guidance.
“Our families are looking for accurate, timely information they can trust,” Drzik said. “This is an opportunity for us to continue serving as a dependable resource for pediatric health.”
The CHNA key priority areas will guide an implementation strategy plan outlining specific actions and partnerships that is expected to be released in spring 2026.
Akron Children’s will continue working with community partners, schools and local organizations to address identified needs, measure progress and share updates with the community.
To learn more about Akron Children’s community health efforts, visit akronchildrens.org.
