Montgomery County announced today the publication of its 2024 Community Health Assessment (CHA), which was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health.

The CHA is informed by nearly 3,500 survey responses from residents in every community throughout Montgomery County, officials said. It offers insights on key public health indicators in the county, including maternal and infant health, mental health, disease prevalence, and substance abuse. Residents who responded to the survey identified mental health, chronic disease, and environmental safety as top priorities in the community. 

These community-identified priorities will guide the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), to be developed in fall 2025 and rolled out in 2026. 

“Effective public health is as much about being proactive as reactive, and Montgomery County’s first-ever Community Health Assessment is a proactive way to better understand the health needs in our community,” said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “This is a strong step toward identifying community health trends and improving the connections our residents have with County resources.” 

“Part of the County’s commitment to equity is investigating where there might be gaps in community healthcare, and ensuring we are meeting the needs of all of our residents,” said Jamila H. Winder, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “The Community Health Assessment helps us identify inequities among certain populations and age groups in our community—and take action to correct them.” 

“We know that mental health and substance abuse are major concerns for families in Montgomery County, like so many other communities across the country,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “This Community Health Assessment is important to our understanding of these issues and many others that are affecting our residents.” 

“We are excited to share this report with our residents as part of an ongoing conversation about how we can work together to improve health experiences and outcomes,” said Christina Miller, Office of Public Health Administrator. “Advancing community health requires partnership. We are grateful for the time and expertise of the CHA Steering Committee members who guided this process, and the support of the more than 100 organizations that helped to spread the word and encouraged participation in the survey and focus groups.” 

The report offers insights into how differences in residents’ access to community resources contributes to differences in their health. It also highlights the ways in which these resources—such as libraries, open space, and community organizations—enable positive health outcomes. 

Read the full report here. 

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