A recent community health survey conducted in Nassau County has spotlighted critical health issues facing residents—particularly mental health and substance abuse. While the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County hosted the event and presented the findings, the deep-dive analysis, survey structuring, and professional recommendations behind the scenes were spearheaded by Ascendant Healthcare Partners, a nationally recognized public health consulting firm led by Joanne Andrews.
Ascendant Healthcare Partners (AHP), founded in 2013, has developed a reputation for delivering data-driven public health solutions with clarity and strategic impact. With decades of combined expertise in health equity, strategic planning, and accreditation readiness, AHP has become a trusted partner for local governments and health agencies nationwide. Their proven framework and nuanced understanding of public health systems made them the ideal firm to lead Nassau County’s Community Health Assessment (CHA).
The recent CHA was shaped by extensive community input, with more than 5,000 residents participating. Ascendant’s team, under Andrews’ guidance, designed and analyzed the survey instruments, facilitated stakeholder input, synthesized health data, and delivered a comprehensive report that laid out clear, actionable recommendations. Their presentation was cited directly during the recent community workshop, where Cara Gluck, MPH, Administrator of the Nassau County Health Department, reviewed and shared key takeaways with attending leaders from both city and county government.
“These types of community health assessments are the foundation for long-term improvement in local health outcomes,” said Andrews. “Our role is to provide not just data, but direction—a clear strategy communities can rally behind.”
The assessment revealed that 90% of Nassau County respondents identified mental health services as their top concern, followed by substance abuse access. Ascendant’s final report offered targeted solutions to address service gaps, workforce shortages, and financial access barriers—solutions that were commended by local agencies in attendance.
Ascendant’s work is far more than survey analysis. Their expertise in conducting Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) has shaped health policy and funding priorities in dozens of municipalities across the U.S. Their role in Nassau County’s CHA demonstrates how vital specialized consulting firms are in turning public feedback into policy-shaping action plans.
Without the insights, structure, and seasoned evaluation Ascendant brings to the table, such a robust and targeted assessment would not have been possible. The firm’s efforts will directly inform strategic planning and resource allocation across Nassau County over the coming years.
For more information about Ascendant Healthcare Partners, visit https://www.ascendanthp.com