Illinois requires local health departments to conduct a data-based health needs assessment and community-developed health plan every five years for certification as a local health department. A limited dataset is available through the Illinois Dept. of Public Health to facilitate the Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Need (I-PLAN) process. Many small, local health departments lack both the finances and the availability of a full-time epidemiologist to effectively communicate this information to the community. Data interpretation is sometimes complicated when small populations are served by local health departments. The McHenry County Department of Health collaborated with a university-based community research department to help overcome these obstacles. Health Systems Research of the University of Illinois College of Medicine provided the Department of Health with a comprehensive health data analysis, including interpretation of the basic I-PLAN dataset, as well as historical and comparative data. As part of the process, a presentation was made before the McHenry County Community Health Committee, encouraging its members to question and better understand the implications of the health data. The prioritization of health needs was enhanced by this data-driven process. The health priorities chosen by the group were therefore more reflective of true community health needs, leading to the development of a stronger community plan and, ultimately, improvement in the county's health status. In lieu of a full-time epidemiologist, this cooperative effort proved to be beneficial, and could be considered by many local health departments as an viable alternative to more costly options.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify and prioritize community health needs. 2. Define local health planning resources. 3. Develop a collaborative relationship with community-based resource.
Keywords: Collaboration, Community Participation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.