Tribal nations across the United States face unique health challenges that require culturally sensitive and community-driven approaches to public health. The Chickasaw Nation, with its rich heritage and dedication to the well-being of its people, has taken a proactive stance in addressing these challenges through comprehensive health improvement strategies. This case study explores the successful partnership between Ascendant Healthcare Partners (AHP) and the Chickasaw Nation in developing the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). We highlight the significance of community engagement, the unique demographics of the Chickasaw Nation, and how AHP facilitated a robust, inclusive process to enhance public health outcomes.
The Chickasaw Nation: A Tribal Community
The Chickasaw Nation is a federally recognized First American nation headquartered in Ada, Oklahoma. It encompasses all or part of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma, with over 363,993 residents, of which approximately 28,311 identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native alone, and 28,005 identify as AI/AN in combination with another race. The Nation is dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage while enhancing the quality of life for its people through innovative public health strategies
The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Process
A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is an action-oriented strategic plan that outlines priority health issues for a community and the strategies to address them. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) recommends using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, which emphasizes community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Chickasaw Nation’s CHIP was developed through a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), identifying key health issues and unmet needs. The CHIP outlined specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable (SMARTIE) objectives to address these needs over a three-year period.
The Role of Ascendant Healthcare Partners
Ascendant Healthcare Partners (AHP) played a pivotal role in facilitating the Chickasaw Nation’s CHIP process. AHP provided extensive support from the initial planning stages to the final implementation, ensuring that the CHIP was inclusive, data-driven, and aligned with national standards. Their approach emphasized meeting the community where they are, fostering robust community engagement, and ensuring compliance with PHAB and NACCHO standards.
Facilitating Community Engagement
AHP ensured robust community engagement by organizing multiple community-wide meetings and workshops. These sessions brought together diverse community members, including residents, local organizations, healthcare providers, and tribal leaders. Through open dialogue, AHP helped identify key health issues and shared values essential for developing a responsive and inclusive CHIP. This process fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among community stakeholders.
Supporting Tribal Health Departments
AHP’s support extended throughout the CHIP process, from the initial community health assessment to the final presentation. Their expertise in public health policy and strategic planning was crucial in guiding the Chickasaw Nation Health Department to align with national best practices and local needs. AHP’s comprehensive support included:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting thorough assessments to identify health priorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating meetings and workshops to gather input and foster collaboration.
- Strategy Development: Helping to define goals, objectives, and actionable strategies.
- Implementation Support: Assisting with the execution of the CHIP and ongoing monitoring of progress.
- Communication: Ensuring clear and consistent communication among all stakeholders.
Chickasaw Nation: Key Health Priorities and Initiatives
Chronic Disease
Behavioral Health
Access to and Linkages with Clinical Care
Each of these areas was addressed through targeted strategies and initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for the Chickasaw Nation.
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are significant health concerns within the Chickasaw Nation. AHP helped implement programs focused on prevention, early detection, and management of these conditions. For example, the “Empowered Living” clinic was established to address childhood obesity, providing personalized services to help children and their families adopt healthier lifestyles.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral health encompasses mental health and substance abuse disorders. The Chickasaw Nation, like many tribal communities, faces high rates of behavioral health issues. AHP supported initiatives to reduce opioid misuse, increase access to mental health services, and promote positive parenting and youth development programs. The “Define Your Direction” campaign was one such initiative aimed at preventing opioid misuse and providing support for those affected.
Access to and Linkages with Clinical Care
Improving access to healthcare services is crucial for the well-being of the Chickasaw Nation. AHP assisted in expanding clinical services, including the establishment of new clinics and mobile medical units. These efforts aimed to reduce barriers to care and ensure that all community members could access high-quality healthcare. The Inchokma Mobile Medical Unit, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, brought essential health services to remote and underserved areas.
Ascendant Healthcare Partners have demonstrated their capability as a leading agency in developing CHIPs, CHNAs, Health Equity Plans, and Strategic Plans. Their work with the Chickasaw Nation exemplifies the critical role of community engagement in public health, ensuring that health improvement efforts are inclusive, data-driven, and aligned with national standards. For any health department looking to develop or enhance their public health strategies, AHP provides the expertise, experience, and dedication necessary to achieve impactful and sustainable health outcomes.
By fostering connections and leveraging existing resources, AHP has helped the Chickasaw Nation create a robust and responsive CHIP. The power of connection and community engagement has proven to be a transformative approach, leading to significant improvements in health outcomes and the overall well-being of the community.