It is my pleasure to present to you the most recent Community Health Assessment (CHA) data and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The information contained in this report is the culmination of many gatherings with our partners and stakeholders in pouring over data as well as input we received from the community in order to determine the priorities and plans with which we will focus our efforts in order to improve the health of our community.
This process is accomplished through the use of a tool called Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). During this process, four assessments were completed, all of which are detailed in the pages that follow in this report. These assessments include:
● Community Health Status: Statistical information gathered from various sources to provide indicators of the current health status of our community.
● Community Themes and Strengths: Community health and safety survey that provides an in-depth look at the health related behaviors of the many different segments of our community.
● Forces of Change: Assessment taking into account external forces of change e.g., social, environmental, governmental, and economic changes that have an impact on health services.
● Local Public Health System: National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP) measures the capacity of the local public health system to conduct essential public health services.
As you review this plan, you will see various goals, objectives, and strategies which have been developed to further the efforts that have been taken over the years to address the many health issues facing our communities. I encourage you to become a part of this process through volunteering to serve on any these workgroups.
I welcome your feedback on the CHIP and invite you to visit our website at montgomerycountyhealth.com or “Like” us on Facebook to find out about events and activities going on in our community and how you can be a part of this exciting process to improve the health of our community.
As always, your partner for a healthy community,
Jan Chamness, MPH
Public Health Director