Renown Health and Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) announced the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a biannual assessment to identify the most significant health needs, strengths and opportunities for improvement across Washoe County.
The 2026 Renown Health & Northern Nevada Public Health Community Health Needs Assessment reflects the experiences and perspectives of people from different backgrounds and communities throughout Washoe County. Combined with health and demographic data, these insights informed four significant health needs that will guide community health improvement efforts over the next three years.
“By bringing our organizations together around a shared assessment and common priorities, we can better align our efforts and maximize the impact of the work happening across our community. Together, as the region’s not-for-profit academic health system and public health authority, we are committed to advancing prevention and expanding access to high-quality care,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Renown Health President & CEO. “The voices of our residents and community partners were central to this process and we thank everyone who shares the collective commitment to improving the lives of our community.”
Renown and NNPH’s unified approach to the assessment expanded community engagement and placed greater emphasis on health equity and the experiences of residents. Nearly 700 community members contributed through survey responses, focus groups, interviews and a community forum. The prioritization process also placed greater emphasis on community voice, increasing the influence of resident experiences and stakeholder input in identifying the community’s most significant health needs.
“This report is the beginning of continued collaboration between our organizations,” said NNPH District Health Officer, Dr. Chad Kingsley. “This shared assessment provides a foundation for organizations across Washoe County to work together, align investments, and focus on the areas where we can have the greatest impact.”
The CHNA provides a shared foundation for action across healthcare, public health, education, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropy, government and community organizations. By aligning priorities and coordinating investments, community partners can reduce duplication and strengthen collective efforts to improve health outcomes.
The findings from the 2026 CHNA will inform both Renown Health’s 2027-2029 Implementation Strategy and NNPH’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Together, the organizations will coordinate strategies, investments and partnerships to maximize collective impact and improve community health across Washoe County.
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About Renown Health
As the state’s first and only not-for-profit academic health system, Renown Health is dedicated to transforming lives, strengthening communities, and providing care for all people across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Together with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown Health improves health and lives through exceptional care, comprehensive education and training, and innovative research to ensure a healthier future for Nevada. Learn more at renown.org/together.
About Northern Nevada Public Health
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More information is available at NNPH.org.
