BayCare Announces New Community Health Strategy for 2026-2028

BayCare's Community Health Needs Assessment for 2026-2028

BayCare Health System, the largest academic healthcare provider in West Central Florida, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing community health with the release of its 2026–2028 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Implementation Plans. These plans, issued every three years, detail BayCare's strategies to collaborate with community partners to improve health outcomes throughout the region.

The current implementation of the plan emphasizes reaching deeper into local communities to ensure all residents have access to essential health services. BayCare's initiatives encompass various programs, from free health clinics and mental health support to school-based food pantries. These efforts aim to maximize positive health results in the area, reflecting the needs expressed by the community.

According to Lisa Bell, the director of Community Benefit at BayCare, “These plans are the roadmap for how our communities can count on us to support them over the next three years.” This roadmap is anchored in the feedback received from local residents, highlighting the essential services they require to enhance their health and well-being.

Working in collaboration with the All4HealthFL Collaborative—comprising seven hospital systems and four county health departments—BayCare has utilized recently conducted surveys to pinpoint the critical health needs of the area. Notably, nearly 25% of West Central Florida residents reported not having had a medical checkup in the past year, while nearly 20% of low-income residents under 65 lacked health insurance, a figure nearly double the national average. Additionally, food insecurity affects one in seven households in the region.

The CHNA process identified three primary areas for BayCare to focus on: 1) Access to Health and Social Services, 2) Behavioral Health—including mental health and substance use challenges, and 3) Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight management.

Economic stability was also highlighted as a growing concern that impacts individuals’ overall health, prompting BayCare to invest in workforce development programs. These initiatives support both youth and adult populations by providing on-the-job training in healthcare careers, ultimately fostering a healthier workforce.

After community meetings held across multiple counties including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and for the first time, Manatee County, BayCare has outlined county-specific plans. Each plan delineates targeted goals, programs, and partnerships tailored to alleviate barriers to healthcare access, such as prescription costs, and address social determinants like food insecurity.

One noteworthy program arising from the CHNA is BayCare’s Medication Assistance Program, initiated in 2017. This program was designed to mitigate the high cost of medications, which was identified earlier as a significant barrier to care. Through this initiative, eligible patients can apply for either reduced-cost or even free medications provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers. In 2025 alone, this program benefited over 1,800 patients and saved them more than $10 million in prescription costs.

In addition to its specific programs, BayCare’s commitment to community welfare is evidenced further by its vast economic contributions. In 2025, they provided nearly $500 million in community benefits, which encompasses Medicaid and income-based support, charity care, and various community services. Their efforts included supplying over 93,000 households through 42 school-based food pantries within the region.

To access the full details of BayCare’s 2026–2028 Community Health Needs Assessment plans, interested parties can visit the BayCare Community Benefit webpage. Through these robust strategies, BayCare aims not only to fulfill immediate healthcare needs but also to foster a healthier and more stable community for all residents in West Central Florida.