Report

In 2012, legislation in the state of California was passed that established the Office of Health Equity (OHE) within the California Department of Public Health. The establishment of this office represented an opportunity to reduce inequities and create health, wellness, and well-being for all California residents. OHE, along with hundreds of stakholders, created this strategic plan to report on the current state of health and mental health equity in California and outline a plan to address the inequities. This is an example of an in-depth, comprehensive strategic plan.

The Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Inc. (MiHIA) is a cross-sector collaboration working to improve population health, quality of care and patient experience, cost of care, and provider well-being in the 14-county region it serves. The strategic plan outlines the mission, vision, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and strategic initiatives and priorities of MiHIA. This is an example of a shorter, yet detailed and highly effective strategic plan.

The Chicago Department of Public Health convened over 1,000 stakeholders to develop Healthy Chicago 2.0, a collaborative, cross-sector plan that builds on 200 specific actionable and measurable strategies to build strong communities and provide all residents with equitable opportunities to maximize their health and wellbeing. The strategic plan includes ten action areas divided among six chapters and is a great example of how public health can use its skills to bring unlikely partners together to tackle multi-sector issues. This is an example of an in-depth, comprehensive strategic plan.

The Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Housing Authority, and Boston Medical Center are working together to identify and address some of the health challenges faced by residents of Boston’s public housing.

The Clark County Public Health Department serves as a convener, an advocate and a data expert to strengthen partnerships in Vancouver, Wash., including with the Vancouver Public School District.

Mississippi Roadmap to Health Equity relies on local residents to identify community health priorities and forges partnerships with the health department, educators, and other sectors to reduce health disparities in the state.

The Main Street Initiative in North Dakota brings together state and local representatives across sectors, including health departments, to grow communities primed for economic growth.

The Alameda County Public Health Department in California recognizes the links between health and safe and affordable housing, and offers data and policy expertise to inform community advocates and public officials.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, launched Healthy Chicago 2.0, a collaborative action plan that built on input from hundreds of stakeholders, to improve the health of all city residents