Fargo Cass Public Health reported on July 12 that its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) process identified health and wellness, access to healthy foods and childcare as priority areas for the 2025–2028 cycle.

Maggie Riddle (intern) and Jen (department staff) presented the CHNA methodology and results. The county‑focused survey (Cass County) analyzed 1,199 responses (67% stakeholders, 33% paid panel). Respondent demographics skewed toward white, higher income and homeowners: presenters said respondents were about 91% white, 65% homeowners, 59% reporting household income of $75,000 or more, 40% with a bachelor’s degree or higher and 57% married; presenters noted these demographics limit representativeness and highlighted the need for more inclusive primary‑data collection.

Riddle explained methods: the survey used cross‑tabulated questions based on a population health framework and Likert scales (1–5) with qualitative comment opportunities. The department will combine the CHNA and CHIP into a single report and use the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework for future cycles.

Stakeholder meeting polling (May 16) asked participants to select three areas that Fargo Cass Public Health could most impact; the top three were childcare, access to healthy foods and health and wellness. Open responses cited cost and access as recurring barriers for housing, food and childcare. The board chose health and wellness as the shared CHIP goal to guide work groups over the 2025–28 cycle; work groups will develop program strategies and measurement plans for specific initiatives.

Limitations and next steps: presenters stressed that primary‑data collection under‑represents underserved populations and said the department will develop culturally competent outreach and evaluation plans. The department will present a drafted CHIP and evaluation metrics to the board in October and invited board members to join work groups.