SANDPOINT — Following a successful first session on women's health, Bonner General Health is hosting its second conversation on community health this week.

The session, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will be held Wednesday at Marigold Bistro, 414 Church St.

Wednesday's community health conversation will focus on behavioral health. The topic was one of several priority health needs identified in the hospital's Community Health Needs Assessment, Kristin Carlson, BGH marketing manager, said.

During the program, BGH officials said community members will hear from BGH leaders and providers about behavioral health in the community, the challenges faced, resources available and opportunities for the future.

Among those slated to speak at the program are John Hennessy, BGH chief executive officer, who will speak on the financial structure of behavioral health; Dr. Stacey Good, chief medical officer at BGH, who will speak on the capabilities of the hospital's Emergency Department for treating behavioral health; and Dr. Megan Fox and Jill Hicks, LCPC, who will speak on expanded specialized behavioral health programs for youth.

To submit a question ahead of the program, go to shorturl.at/iG0t3.

The idea for the series grew out of feedback the hospital received during its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment process, as well as conversations with community members seeking greater transparency and ways to engage directly with BGH leadership. While the assessment, which takes place every three years, provides valuable information, Carlson said ongoing dialogue is equally important.

"The community health conversations series is designed to create a space where we can share information, answer questions, listen to concerns and work together to address local health needs," Carlson said previously.

The forums, which will be held quarterly, are designed to promote transparency, provide health education and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue between health care leaders and the community.

Future community health conversations will focus on access to care, obesity and healthy lifestyles and other priority areas identified in the assessment. Specific topics could include discussions on behavioral health services, preventive care and the importance of establishing primary care, as well as chronic disease and pain management, nutrition, physical activity and available community resources. Each session will include an update from BGH's leadership team, including a member of its medical staff who will provide education on each session's focus.

At the end of the year, BGH officials said they will evaluate participation, feedback and impact to determine how the series should evolve moving forward.

"Our goal is to strengthen trust, improve understanding and foster meaningful dialogue between Bonner General Health and the community we serve," Carlson said. "We hope attendees leave feeling better informed about available resources, having a better understanding of the current health care challenges, and ongoing efforts to improve access to care. … Ultimately, we want these conversations to create a stronger connection between the hospital and the people we serve."

Info.: bonnergeneralhealth.org