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 Live Healthy Lane region (Lane County, Reedsport, and Harrisburg). The assessment introduces a new approach to community health, one where decisions about programs and interventions are not only based 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. We are committed to investing our time and resources in order to hear directly from community members.
What is a “Community Health Improvement Plan” (CHP)?
Everyone in the community should have the opportunity to live 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 address some of the priority health areas identified by the CHA. The CHP is designed to bring individuals, communities and organizations together to address key issues through evidence-based and measurable strategies. The CHP 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 of our community.
What happened to the "I" in CHP?
The "i" is not included in the CHP acronym so it isn't confused with the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a Medicaid program for eligible children.
Why are we doing this now?
Starting in 2012, non-profit hospitals and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) have a mandate under the health reform law to conduct a community health assessment and implement a community health improvement plan every three to five years. Additionally, Public Health Departments who are seeking national accreditation must also conduct assessments and develop improvement plans. Partnering together and moving in the same direction makes our impact stronger.
What are the health priorities in the 2021-25 Lane County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHP)?
- 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 and historical injustices that produce disparities.
How were the priority areas selected?
The 2021-25 CHP builds upon the work of the 2018-19 CHA, which included surveys, interviews, focus groups, and community events to solicit input from community members and partners. 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, Harrisburg, 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 2021-2025 CHP 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. Kaiser Permanente, Lane Community Health Council, Lane County, PacificSource Health Plans, and Trillium Community Health Plan 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.
Why must we work together to address the community's health priorities?
Lane County ranks 18th out of 36 among Oregon counties for health outcomes (County Health Rankings, 2023). 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 this alone. The CHP 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, neighbors, and clients to join us in this effort. 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, neighbors, and clients to join us in this effort. Get involved!
What is the relationship between the CHP and other local initiatives?
The CHP works alongside other local plans, initiatives, and groups that are already focused on improving health in the Live Healthy Lane region. Instead of repeating or conflicting with existing efforts, the CHP helps bring people and resources together.
During the planning process, we looked for ways to collaborate with existing groups and expand our network of partners. As we move forward, we will continue building these connections to create a stronger, more coordinated approach to improving community health.
During the planning process, we looked for ways to collaborate with existing groups and expand our network of partners. As we move forward, we will continue building these connections to create a stronger, more coordinated approach to improving community health.
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