Key Health Priorities for the Brainerd Lakes Area

CROSBY, Minn. – Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has released its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), providing a comprehensive look at the health needs of the Brainerd Lakes Area and identifying opportunities for impactful community health initiatives for 2026-2028. While overall health in the region remains stable, rising mental health needs, chronic disease, and access barriers highlight pressing areas for intervention.

CHNAs are vital tools for understanding health disparities, evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs, and promoting health equity. Through engagement with residents, healthcare providers, and community partners, CRMC identified the region’s most pressing health concerns and priorities.

Key Priorities Identified in the CHNA:

1. Improve Access Through Education and System Navigation
   Access to medical, dental, and mental health services is declining due to cost, insurance coverage, transportation, and appointment availability. CRMC will focus on reducing these barriers by improving care navigation and connecting community members with available services.
2. Foster Mental Well-Being and Prevent Substance Misuse
   Rising rates of depression, anxiety, and youth mental health challenges, along with emerging substance use concerns, highlight the need for accessible mental health support. CRMC and community partners will work to reduce stigma, address systemic barriers, and implement preventive programs.
3. Promote Healthy Living and Preventive Care
   Chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are increasing, while gaps remain in nutrition, physical activity, and preventive care. Community-based wellness programs and health education will be prioritized to support healthier lifestyles and disease prevention.

The CHNA report is the foundation for the strategies that Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and its community partners will use to address the community’s unmet health needs. A subsequent report will include the Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP), outlining the specific actions that CRMC will take over the next three years. All implementation strategies will be continuously measured, evaluated, and reviewed to ensure they effectively address the health priorities of the Brainerd Lakes Area.

View the current Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan