In 1996, the Vermont Department of Health gained responsibility for developing the State Health Plan, which sets broad health goals for the State. To engage those from outside the public health community, public health nurses interviewed citizens in face to face interviews from June to October 1998. Over 3,000 interviews took place at homes, grocery stores, laundromats, businesses, doctor’s office, hospitals, etc. Government officials and legislators were also interviewed. Citizens were asked in categories of (1) biology, (2), habits and behaviors, (3) environment, (4) social and economic factors and (5) health care: what is needed to improve health and what keeps us from improving health? Respondents emphasized areas such as tobacco and alcohol use, access to primary care, cost of health insurance, drinking water, education, transportation, and jobs. This qualitative process resulted in information from a broad cross section of the Vermont population. Information obtained supported an extensive view of factors that impact health, which can increase the quality and years of healthy life. Public health nurses, because of their training, skill, and credibility in their communities, greatly contributed to the quality of the information. These findings will be used along with health status indicators to shape Vermont’s health plan and objectives for Healthy Vermonters 2010.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe a method for gathering public input for health planning. 2. List five broad categories that influence health
Keywords: Planning, E Code
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.