The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #34205

Kelly Nicole Nanney, MPH, Elaine E. Conley, RN, MPH, and Anita L. Siegel, MPH. Office of the Director, Alameda County Public Health Department, 1000 Broadway, Suite 500, Oakland, CA 94607

Objectives: This paper describes the implementation of department-wide program planning, program/division evaluation and the utilization of results in department strategic planning. Methods: All programs in the Public Health Department turned in work plans inclusive of program objectives and activities at the beginning of the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, every program was evaluated utilizing a standardized evaluation form consisting of elements ranging from community input to completion of program objectives. The data was analyzed and compiled into 3 separate division evaluations. The division responses were analyzed and department-wide results were compiled for use in strategic planning. Results: 100% of the ACPHD programs included in the process turned in program work plans and all programs and divisions completed the evaluations. The evaluation results were compiled into a report that was presented to key leaders of the department strategic planning process. The results provided a wealth of knowledge about several topics including populations targeted and served, community input, duplication of services, completion of objectives, and Healthy People 2010 priority areas addressed. Conclusions: The information provided by the evaluations is a valuable tool for program planning, program and division monitoring and strategic direction. Although the evaluation has allowed insight to strategic direction, the direct link to strategic planning has not been made. In addition, due to complicated funding streams for many programs, budget implications have not yet been determined. More planning and commitment is needed to make the evaluation results more useful in the strategic planning and budget processes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Identify the templates for a work plan and program evaluation.
• Identify the components of the Alameda County Public Health Department’s program and division evaluation processes.
• Articulate the relationship between program work plans and program/division evaluations.
• Apply the information available in the development of similar planning and evaluation processes to other organizations.

Keywords: Accountability, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.