#Nashville #Healthcare Advocacy #Community Partnerships #Hospital Trust

National Survey Shows Importance of Community Partnerships in Healthcare

A recent national consumer survey conducted by Jarrard Inc. reveals that hospitals viewed as strong community partners enjoy significantly greater levels of trust and advocacy from the public. The results of this 2026 Community Impact Survey emphasize the critical role that visible community engagement plays in shaping consumer preferences and healthcare choices.

Key Findings

The survey indicates that consumers who recognize their local hospitals as effective community partners are:

• - 26 points more likely to trust them to make the right decisions.
• - 37 points more inclined to speak positively about or defend these hospitals.
• - 33 points more likely to advocate for hospitals on policy issues.
• - 24 points more likely to choose a hospital with a strong community impact when all other factors are equal.
• - 15 points more inclined to select a community-focused hospital, even if it involves greater inconvenience.

Isaac Squyres, a senior partner at Jarrard and leader of the Market Research Insights (MRI) group, asserts, “Community impact isn’t just a nice-to-have that boosts reputation; it’s central to trust, loyalty, and crucially, choice.”

The Gap in Perception

Despite the apparent benefits of strong community ties, the survey found a noticeable gap between public expectations and perceptions. While nearly 60% of Americans believe that hospitals' roles extend beyond medical care, only 29% strongly agree that their local hospitals are effective community partners. Furthermore, a mere 28% feel that hospitals significantly contribute to creating a healthier society outside of direct medical care.

Community Partnership Defined

When asked to define what makes a hospital a