Community
Health Networks are committed to continuous improvement
of health.
Each
of the 27 Community Health Networks collaboratively
identifies local and regional health priorities, designs
community-based prevention plans, and track success
in achieving healthier communities. CHNAs develop
new health improvement projects as initial projects
are completed.
Community Health Networks may be guided in selecting
health improvement projects by using the following
approach:
Review
the CHNA vision: healthier people in healthier communities
in Massachusetts through community-based prevention
planning and health promotion
Review
the CHNA health status indicators and other health
and community data
Identify,
analyze and collectively prioritize health problems
in the community. Examples of tools to assist this
process include APEX-PH (Assessment Protocol for
Excellence in Public Health), PATCH (Planned Approach
to Community Health), Together We Can, and Healthy
Communities
Identify
current resources
Design
strategies and develop an action plan to reduce
leading health disparities
Establish
a set of measurable outcomes to evaluate progress
towards improved health
Work
together to implement the action
Evaluate
outcomes
Go
on to the next health issue
While each Community Health Network may have a different
design and composition, all Networks function as frameworks
for the development of partnerships that enhance cooperation
in developing a preventive, primary care health model in
each community.
