2026 Reproductive Health Community Needs Assessment

Preterm Launches Landmark Reproductive Health Community Needs Assessment to Strengthen Care and Advance Health Equity Across Northeast Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CLEVELAND, OH — 02/12/2026

Preterm Cleveland, Inc., Ohio’s largest independent abortion and sexual health provider, and the Center for Community Solutions announced today the launch of a landmark Reproductive Health Community Needs Assessment, a comprehensive regional study designed to better understand the evolving reproductive health needs, gaps, and priorities of communities across Northeast Ohio. 

“The project will prioritize diverse and culturally responsive engagement with grassroots organizations, universities, and healthcare institutions. Our communities are navigating complex social, economic, and political realities. This assessment will give us a clearer understanding of how we can meet people where they are and build a healthier, more equitable future together,” said Bethany Lewis, LISW, Executive Director of Preterm.

A Community-Driven Approach 

The Reproductive Health Community Needs Assessment will include: 

• Community surveys and focus groups across Cleveland and surrounding counties 

• College Credit Plus partnerships, MSW field placements, and public health internships 

• Interviews with healthcare providers, public health experts, and community leaders 

• Data analysis informed by national frameworks, such as the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) MAPP 2.0 model 

• Community-building events, including health canvassing, mutual aid, and sexual wellness programming 

In the wake of shifting reproductive health policies, both statewide and nationally, Preterm’s assessment will serve as an essential resource for: 

• Health systems aiming to expand or strengthen reproductive health services 

• Local governments and public health agencies working to improve population health 

• Funders and advocacy groups seeking data-driven insights 

• Community organizations addressing social determinants of health  

RHCNA Launch Event 

The launch of Preterm’s Reproductive Health Community Needs Assessment will be celebrated Thursday, March 5 at the Stephen A. Minter Conference Center of the Cleveland Foundation. Preterm is inviting community members and partners to join us from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. that day. The Cleveland Foundation is located at 6601 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. Attendees can register here: bit.ly/RHCNALaunch.

How to Get Involved 

Community members and organizations interested in serving on the steering committee, distributing surveys, hosting focus groups, or contributing expertise can visit preterm.org/rhcna or contact: 

Malik Swisher 

Community Outreach & Partnerships Administrator  

mswisher@preterm.org  (216) 472-3219 ext. 215 

About Preterm 

Preterm is Ohio’s largest and most trusted independent provider of abortion and reproductive health care. Since 1974, Preterm has remained committed to expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care while advancing reproductive justice and health equity across Northeast Ohio. 

About the Center for Community Solutions

The Center for Community Solutions is a trusted nonpartisan research organization that has strengthened health and social conditions across Ohio through rigorous data analysis and policy insight. Their work includes extensive research on maternal and infant health, highlighting racial disparities, preterm birth trends, and the urgent needs facing Black mothers and babies.  This deep expertise makes them a strong partner for advancing the RHCNA’s data‑driven approach to understanding and improving reproductive and community health.