Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118304

James Pearsol, Assistant Director, Ohio Department of Health, 246 N. High Street P.O. Box 118, Columbus, OH 43216-0118, 614) 728-6716, jpearsol@odh.ohio.gov

Background The Ohio Department of Health is entering a fourth year using a department-wide set of strategic priorities to guide its work.

Objective To define, on an annual basis, 20 to 25 top public health program priorities for primary attention during the course of a calendar year.

Methods This set of "dashboard" priorities changes each year and is organized under the six primary goals that define the work of the department: Encourage healthy choices; Prevent chronic, environmental, genetic and infectious diseases; eliminate health disparities; assure public health preparedness and security; assure quality and safety of health care services; and improve business performance. Each priority is assigned a "champion" who is given broad authority and responsibility to assure that the priority is accomplished within one year. This "champion" designation is a source of pride and recognition for each individual so designated and serves as a modest succession planning tool for the agency. Each priority is further defined in measurable terms for quarterly progress monitoring.

Results We have met or exceeded 80% of each year's performance priorities over the past four years.

Conclusion Defining broad departmental goals and creating annual “dashboard” priorities for measuring the department's performance have given the Ohio Department of Health the tools to provide agency-wide focus and measurable success in terms that meet internal and external customer needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Persons attending this session will hear and discuss methods for state agency strategic planning, including, matrix project management, tools and techniques for agency performance assessment, and effective organizational design.

Keywords: Planning, Performance Measurement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation