Aiko P. Allen, MS, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Division, Sedgwick County Health Department, 1900 E. 9th Street, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-660-7312, aallen@sedgwick.gov

Since 1949, the Wichita/Sedgwick County Health Department operated as a joint agency of the City and County. In 2002, the Health Department moved to full governance and operation by the County. With County leadership, the agency embarked on a remarkable analysis and development of its infrastructure. Because of the talents and expertise of the County in management practices, resource assessment and utilization, investments in staff development and training, strategic planning, quality assurance and control, data analysis, and community development, the Health Department has emerged with a robust and sustainable future. Revenue generation and enhancement, team-oriented problem-solving teams across divisions, and an increased focus on the economic case for prevention are integral to its success. The exchange of ideas between professionals involved in business and professionals engaged in delivery of public health core functions has led to a dynamic strategic planning process that increases communication between all disciplines. During this presentation, participants will explore the strengths and challenges of incorporating best practice business models with best practice prevention models in public health. A framework will be shared that describes the steps the Health Department has taken in incorporating a balanced approach to growth that capitalizes on the “investment” all partners want to make in public health. The target audience includes administrators and program managers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Identify three economic development tools which are useful in evaluating the capacity, growth, and sustainability of their health department.
• Identify philosophical barriers and professional training that may promote or prevent systemic changes in their health department.
• Identify a specific lesson learned from the Sedgwick County Health Department model that can support organizational change within their health department.

Keywords: Public Health Infrastructure, Challenges and Opportunities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.