2026 CHNA Implementation Strategy

This Implementation Strategy outlines Children’s of Alabama’s three year plan to address the significant pediatric health needs identified in the 2025 CHNA. The CHNA process confirmed persistent and emerging challenges facing Alabama’s children, with strong alignment between community perceptions and quantitative indicators. Mental and Behavioral Health The leading community concern (73% of survey respondents ranked it in their top three), driven by rising youth anxiety, depression, suicide (Alabama’s youth rate ranks 8th nationally), trauma, and behavioral challenges, compounded by stigma and limited counseling access. Healthcare Access and Affordability Barriers related to ability to pay (despite 97% insurance coverage), availability of quality pediatric and specialty services (especially in rural “pediatric deserts”), parent and caregiver safety education/ awareness, and transportation underscore concerns over healthcare access. Child Safety and Risk Prevention This identified need includes child abuse (rate of 10.6 per 1,000 children), caregiver substance use, firearm-related injuries, suicide, and youth risk behaviors linked to screen time/social media exposure and lack of safe spaces/supervision. The prioritized significant health needs that will guide our community benefit investments and partnerships from 2026 through 2028 are:

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY