Published June 19, 2025
Improving access to care, enhancing behavioral health options and addressing the causes of chronic disease are among the priorities for Westerly Hospital based on findings identified in a recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).
“These priorities reflect the growing needs of the communities we serve, based on our research, which included quantitative data and feedback from stakeholder surveys and focus groups,” said Melissa Sigua, Community Health project coordinator, Yale New Haven Health Office of Health Equity and Community Impact (OHECI). “These priorities will inform decision-making for Westerly Hospital as we go forward.”
This iteration of the CHNA will be the guide from 2025 to 2028. Participating stakeholders included more than 20 organizations ranging from the Westerly Senior Center to the Westerly Public Library and the Jonnycake Center of Westerly. The CHNA highlighted five areas of need, with the top three being key focus areas for Westerly Hospital:
A common theme in the assessment was a lack of access to providers, particularly for primary care and behavioral health. Communities across Rhode Island struggle with access to primary care providers due in part to an aging workforce and more providers contemplating retirement.
“There is also a lack of competitive reimbursement for primary care in Rhode Island, which makes it hard to keep doctors in the state,” Sigua said.
Similarly, the assessment identified a shortage of behavioral health professionals. “At the same time, we’re seeing more cases of self-reported mental distress, high prevalence of substance abuse, and a vulnerable young population with psychiatric concerns, including those either attempting or thinking about suicide,” Sigua said.
The CHNA report noted that chronic diseases, while a nationwide problem, were significantly affecting the health of people in the greater Westerly area, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Similarly, housing was identified as a community priority because of high costs, limited housing stock and the need for housing modifications to enable people to age in place.
Adult health and well-being were identified as concerns due to Westerly’s older demographic. Residents face challenges such as living alone, vulnerability due to disabilities, rising costs and a need for better end-of-life planning.
Specific strategies to address the concerns are in development, according to Lindsey Greene-Upshaw, senior manager/regional lead, OHECI. “We are working with internal and external partners to produce Hospital Implementation Strategies – internal actions to address each need,” Greene-Upshaw said.
OHECI will collaborate with the Health Impact Collaborative of Greater Westerly on a Community Health Implementation Plan to be implemented over the next three years with help from hospital subject matter experts and community partners.
