AHA report explores 'next generation' of community health

A new report from the AHA’s Committee on Research explores what the next generation of community health may look like as hospitals and health systems redefine themselves to keep pace with the changing health care landscape. “Hospitals are looking at ways to further enhance the community outreach and community benefit activities they provide through integrating activities with public health, collaborating with community partners along a full continuum of care and building a community health infrastructure that is stronger, more targeted and more effective,” the report notes. “In short, through focusing on community health, the hospital field is devising new ways to improve the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of people and communities. The next generation of community health will be integrally aligned with this care evolution and will serve as the foundation for total population health.”