Some questions to ask
- Why are we taking action, and how will we do so?
- How much, of what, do we hope to accomplish, and by when?
- How will we address factors that contribute to the problem or goal, and how can we reach those most affected?
- What particular strategies will we use to achieve success?
- Who is best positioned to implement the strategies to achieve results and to reach those most affected?
Some recommended actions
- __ State the mission (the what and why) for your project.
- __ State the measurable objectives (how much of what you hope to accomplish by when).
- In developing objectives, clearly describe (as appropriate):
- Benchmarks that would help assess and show progress toward success with the mission (e.g., By 2020, change policies in the local food system to improve access to healthy fruits and vegetables)
- Behavioral objectives: the changes in behaviors we would see if the group’s efforts were successful (What would people be doing differently?) (e.g., “By 2022, to increase by 30% the reported/observed level of safe sleep among babies from high risk families.”)
- Population-level objectives: the changes in community-level indicators we would see if the group’s objectives were met (How would changes in individuals’ behaviors add up to outcomes for all those in the community?) (e.g., “By 2025, infant mortality among Black babies will decrease by 50%)
- In developing objectives, clearly describe (as appropriate):
- __ Target strategies to particular groups and relevant factors, including to:
- Reach and engage particular groups experiencing health inequities (i.e., related to race/ethnicity, income/poverty, gender, and/or where people live)
- Address relevant factors and determinants affecting the problem/goal, including:
- Personal factors [These may include: knowledge, beliefs, skills, education and training, education and training, experience, cultural norms and practices, social status, cognitive or physical abilities, gender, age, genetic predisposition]
- Environmental factors [These may include: social support, available resources and services, barriers (including financial, physical, and communication), social approval, incentives and disincentives, time costs and delays, policies, environmental hazards, living conditions, poverty, and disparity in status]
- Social determinants that produce inequities [These may include: a) Differential exposures and opportunities for particular groups (e.g., stress, support networks); a) Differential vulnerabilities and capabilities (e.g., education); and c) Differential consequences (e.g., access to quality services, discrimination)]
- __ Identity potential strategies to be used in the initiative, including:
- Evidence-based and practice-based approaches for this issue [See resources below]
- Specific changes in communities and systems to be implemented that:
- Provide Information and Enhancing Skills (e.g., provide media messages for screening and well visits targeted to low-income families)
- Modify Access, Barriers, and Opportunities (e.g., reduce wait times for prenatal care from local clinics)
- Change the Consequences (incentives and disincentives) (e.g., provide sleep sacks and baby products as incentives for low-income mothers participating in birth preparation classes)
- Enhance Services and Support (e.g., provide smoking cessation classes for women of reproductive age)
- Modify Policies and Broader Systems (e.g., change local ordinances to increase fines for sales of tobacco products to minors)
- __ Identify those who can best implement strategies, and how they can be engaged in the effort, including:
- Targets of change: those from groups most affected by health inequities (e.g., low-income families) and those whose actions are critical for success (e.g., mothers; service providers)
- Agents of change: those who may be in a position to change factors and determinants that affect the problem/goal, including those with power and influence (e.g., agency administrators, elected or appointed officials)
- Community sectors: those channels through which targets and agents of change can be reached and engaged (e.g., child care, schools, health organizations)
Examples of planning
- Developing a community health improvement plan in Wyandotte County
- Planning for improved perinatal mental health services for low-income women in Sedgwick County
Resources to help with planning
Tools from the Community Tool Box
Toolkit: Developing Strategic and Action Plans
Chapter 8: Developing a Strategic Plan
Developing and Communicating a Vision
Tools from KDHE and other sources
Heath Equity Zones (HEZ) Initiative
Minnesota Department of Health Community Health Improvement Plan