Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP) are essential for local health departments aiming to improve public health outcomes and address the unique needs of their communities. Ascendant Healthcare Partners is committed to assisting local health departments in developing robust, data-driven CHIPs that can transform strategic priorities into actionable initiatives.
Why CHIPs Matter
A CHIP is a long-term, systematic effort to address public health problems based on the results of a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). As defined by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), “A CHIP serves as a strategic framework for defining and addressing public health issues in the community, and it is created through a collaborative process.” The importance of a CHIP lies in its ability to create a structured, focused approach to health improvement that engages stakeholders and leverages community resources.
How Ascendant Healthcare Partners Can Help
- Comprehensive Data Analysis
We start by thoroughly analyzing the data collected during your CHNA. Our team of experts, including public health professionals and data analysts, examines health trends, identifies priority health issues, and assesses the social determinants of health in your community. This detailed analysis is the foundation for setting realistic and impactful health improvement goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Effective CHIPs are built on collaboration. We facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions to bring together healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents. By ensuring all voices are heard, we help create a CHIP that reflects the community’s needs and harnesses local strengths. For example, in a recent project in Sumter County, FL, we engaged diverse stakeholders to address health disparities related to preventable falls and behavioral health awareness.
- Strategy Development
Based on the data and stakeholder input, we assist in developing targeted strategies to address the identified health priorities. Whether it’s reducing chronic disease rates, improving mental health services, or enhancing access to care, our team crafts evidence-based strategies tailored to your community’s needs. For Sumter County, we focused on preventing falls among the elderly population and expanding behavioral health engagement with providers.
- Implementation Support
Turning plans into action can be challenging. Ascendant Healthcare Partners provides implementation support to ensure your CHIP’s strategies are effectively executed. We offer project management services, help secure funding, and provide training and technical assistance to build local capacity.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Continuous improvement is key to public health success. We establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing assessment ensures that your CHIP remains responsive and effective over time.
Success Story: Collaborative Effort in Action
In a recent partnership with Sumter County, FL, Ascendant Healthcare Partners played a pivotal role in addressing the community’s unique health challenges. With a median age of 63.5 years, and 63% of residents aged 55 or older, the county faces specific health issues related to its older population. We collaborated with local stakeholders to develop a CHIP focusing on preventable falls and strengthening community health advocacy. Additionally, we worked to expand behavioral health engagement with providers to enhance awareness and improve mental health outcomes.
Expert Insight
As NACCHO highlights, “Successful CHIPs require continuous community involvement and commitment to improvement.” At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we believe in this principle and strive to empower local health departments with the tools and support they need to make meaningful health improvements.
Get Started Today
If your health department is ready to take its strategic priorities further and develop a comprehensive CHIP, Ascendant Healthcare Partners is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist in creating a healthier future for your community.
For more information, visit our website or reach out to our team directly. Together, we can make a difference in public health. Visit us at www.ascendanthp.com.
Sources:
- National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). https://www.naccho.org