Behavioral health, housing and access to care remain the most pressing health needs in 10-county region of Southwest Idaho

July 7, 2026

Boise, ID – Behavioral health, the lack of affordable housing and access to care are the most pressing health needs in a 10-county region home to more than half of Idaho’s residents, according to a newly-released joint community health needs assessment. The 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) conducted by the Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative (WICHC) aims to identify and address the health needs of the region known as the Greater Treasure Valley.

WICHC’s assessment is the result of a regional partnership between organizations like Central District Health, Saint Alphonsus Health System, Southwest District Health, St. Luke’s Health System and United Way of Treasure Valley. The ten counties assessed were Ada, Elmore, Boise, Valley, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington.

The partnership established in 2019 is a significant collaboration to understand and tackle pervasive issues in the community and align efforts, aiming to achieve more successful outcomes and a greater impact.

The assessment includes substantial community input and uses the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) 2.0 framework which emphasizes a community-based approach to identify, prioritize, and address current public health issues. MAPP 2.0 engages the entire local public health system to ensure a thorough evaluation of the community’s health through a three-step process that 1) builds a foundation, 2) tells the community story, and 3) continuously improves the community. The priorities that emerged from this year’s report are:

·     Behavioral health

·     Housing

·     Access to care

Addressing complex community needs is possible when we take a collaborative approach. Organizations use CHNA to inform strategies to address gaps and needs driving poor health outcomes.

Priority Actions taken as a result of the effort include:

·     Advancing housing stability as a health priority. Continue reinforcing the connection between housing and health through community education, presentations, and partnerships with local housing organizations, health systems, and public agencies.

·     Advocating for transformational housing funding. Identify, support, and advocate for new funding sources that increase affordable and attainable housing supply and help keep people housed.

·     Supporting data-informed housing investments. Use findhelpidaho.org search trends and regional planning tools, including the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho one-pager, to guide future housing investments and policy conversations.

·     Strengthening behavioral health access and outcomes. Continue coordinating partner-led efforts to improve access to mental health, well-being, and substance misuse services across the Greater Treasure Valley.

·     Expanding stigma reduction resources. Finalize and distribute the behavioral health stigma best practice toolkit to help organizations communicate about stigma effectively and connect community members with relevant resources.

·     Promoting behavioral health trainings. Continue sharing and expanding awareness of partner-led trainings, including Mental Health First Aid, QPR, ASIST, CALM, Naloxone Training, Strengthening Families, and veteran-specific trainings.

·     Assessing and advocating for behavioral health workforce needs. Complete the behavioral health workforce assessment survey, analyze results with WICHC and community partners, and use findings to support advocacy during the 2027 Idaho State Legislature.

To get involved, contact WICHC via WICHC.org The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is available in PDF form HERE

Partner Quotes

“The Health Needs Assessment provides a critical framework for understanding the health priorities, challenges and opportunities within our region. Through meaningful community input and collaboration with our partners, this assessment will help guide informed decision-making, strengthen alignment across public health efforts and support Central District Health’s continued commitment to advancing healthier people and healthier communities.”

·     Russell Duke, Former District Director for Central District Health

“The 2026 Greater Treasure Valley Community Health Needs Assessment reflects our deep commitment at Saint Alphonsus to listen, learn, and respond to the changing needs in our communities in ways that improve the health and well-being of every neighbor we serve. By working in close partnership with the Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative and other dedicated organizations, we can look for ways to align our efforts, focus our resources, and make the Treasure Valley a healthier place for those who live here and for future generations.”

·      Corey Surber, Regional Vice President, Advocacy & Community Health, Saint Alphonsus Health System

“Across Southwest Idaho, we’re seeing how behavioral health, housing stability, and access to care are interconnected—and deeply influential on overall well-being. This assessment gives us the shared data and community voice we need to align our efforts, target resources, and work collaboratively so every resident has an opportunity to be healthy.”

·     Dr. Nikole Zogg, District Director for Southwest District Health

“Since our first collaborative assessment in 2023, we’ve seen the value of working together to better understand and address community health needs. That partnership has strengthened both our insights and our impact. In 2026, we remain committed to this shared approach—continuing to strengthen partnerships, align resources, take action and ensure our work reflects the priorities and voices of the communities we serve.”

·      Angie Gribble, St. Luke’s Senior Director of Community Health and Engagement

“When we take the time to listen to our community and pair those insights with data, we make better decisions. The Community Health Needs Assessment gives us a clearer understanding of where needs exist, where gaps remain, and which solutions are most likely to improve outcomes for our community. United Way is proud to collaborate with local hospitals, health districts, and community partners to turn those insights into action and ensure our collective efforts are focused where they can make the greatest difference.”

·       Megan Remaley, President & CEO, United Way of Treasure Valley

ABOUT WESTERN IDAHO COMMUNICTY HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative (WICHC) was established in 2019. WICHC is a community of stakeholders who aim to transform the health of their communities by collaborating, prioritizing, and collectively supporting the community health needs and healthcare transformation efforts that will have the greatest impact on improving health outcomes and lowering the costs of healthcare. The collaboration is supported by leaders from Central District Health, Full Circle Health, Idaho Foodbank, Saint Alphonsus, Southwest District Health, St. Luke’s Health System, United Way of Treasure Valley and with involvement with numerous other community partners and stakeholders.