Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Community Health Assessment” (CHA)?
A Community Health Assessment (CHA) is an assessment that engages community members and partner organizations to measure our quality of life, how healthy we are, and then identify the key health needs and issues of the community. In this case, the community is defined as all those who live, learn, work, or play in the Lane County region (Lane County and Reedsport, Oregon). The Lane County Regional Community Health Assessment introduces a new approach to community health, one where decisions about programs and interventions are not based solely on “the numbers,” but also on what community members feel is important as they strive to live a healthier life. In the past, community health assessments were heavily focused on data and lacked the voice of the community. For this assessment, we have been committed to investing our time and resources in order to hear directly from community members and consumers.
What is a “Community Health Improvement Plan” (CHP)?
Everyone in the community should have the opportunity to lead long, healthy and meaningful lives. The 2021-25 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHP) is Lane County's Regional five-year action plan that outlines how to to address some of the priority health areas identified by the Community Health Needs Assessment. The health improvement plan is designed to bring individuals, communities and organizations together to address key issues through evidence-based and measurable strategies. The plan is also designed to reduce avoidable differences in health experienced by many diverse communities. The ultimate goal of this work is to improve the mental, physical and social health and well-being of our community.
Why are we doing this now?
Non-profit hospitals and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) have a mandate under the health reform law to conduct a community health needs assessment and implement a community health improvement plan every three years, starting in 2012. United Ways and local health departments have a long tradition of health/needs assessments and improvement activities. Public Health Departments who are seeking national accreditation must conduct assessments and develop improvement plans. Partnering together and moving in the same direction makes our impact stronger. Watch a two-minute video to learn about collective impact.
What are the health priorities in the 2021-25 Lane County Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (CHP)?
2021-25 CHP priorities include:
- Ensure incomes are sufficient to meet basic costs of living (i.e., housing, childcare, food transportation, etc.)
- Establish community conditions that support behavioral health and physical well-being
- Address current historical injustices that produce disparities
How were the priority areas selected?
The 2021-25 Community Health Improvement Plan builds upon the work of the 2018-19 Community Health Assessment, which included surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other community events to solicit input from community members, consumers, stakeholders and other partners. To date, this community-driven process has engaged over 2,500 individuals and 200 organizations.
By design, the priority areas are not limited to traditional health indicators—instead, they encourage us to think of health in broader ways, incorporating all aspects of well-being. These priorities will help ensure we focus our community's efforts and resources and mobilize an integrated and collaborative course of action by many individuals, communities, and organizations.
By design, the priority areas are not limited to traditional health indicators—instead, they encourage us to think of health in broader ways, incorporating all aspects of well-being. These priorities will help ensure we focus our community's efforts and resources and mobilize an integrated and collaborative course of action by many individuals, communities, and organizations.
What geographic area does this cover?
The CHA and CHP cover all of Reedsport, Oregon and Lane County, Oregon: Eugene, Springfield, Coburg, Junction City, Veneta, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Lowell, Oakridge, Florence, Dunes City, Westfir, and all unincorporated areas.
Who is this plan designed for?
The Lane County Regional Community Health Improvement Plan is a tool for the community and organizations that work to improve the health of our community. It is designed to bring organizations and individuals together toward shared goals. Lane Community Health Council, Lane County Public Health, PacificSource Community Solutions, PeaceHealth Oregon Network, Trillium Community Health Plan and United Way of Lane County are responsible for working with partners to implement the improvement plan. These organizations will convene partners to implement the strategies in the plan, monitor progress toward goals, and make adjustments when desired outcomes are not met. The 100% Health Executive Committee is the oversight body for the work.
Why must we work together to address the community's health priorities?
Lane County ranks 13th out of 36 among Oregon counties for health outcomes and 12th for health factors (County Health Rankings, 2017). We realize that more must be done to improve the health of all people and to address persistent health inequities . Improving the mental, physical, and social health and well-being of the community is complex and takes time, and no single sector or agency can solve them on its own. The Community Health Improvement Plan will advanced our shared vision for a community where all people can live a healthier life.
We are looking to community members and organizations to help create and implement the Community Health Improvement Plan. I invite you, your family, friends, colleagues, and clients to join us in this endeavor. Get involved!
We are looking to community members and organizations to help create and implement the Community Health Improvement Plan. I invite you, your family, friends, colleagues, and clients to join us in this endeavor. Get involved!
What is the relationship between the CHP and other local initiatives/plans?
The CHP was designed to complement and build upon other guiding documents, plans, initiatives, and coalitions already in place to improve the health of the Lane County Region. Rather than conflicting with or duplicating the recommendations and actions of existing frameworks and coalitions, the participants of the CHP development process identified potential partners and resources wherever possible. We expanded the list of potential collaborators and resources when finalizing the CHP and will continue to expand it when completing the workplan and taking action.
Live Healthy Lane: Working together to create a caring community where all people can live a healthy life.
Compassion - Equity - Inclusion - Collaboration
Compassion - Equity - Inclusion - Collaboration