Opportunities and strategies using the mobilizing action through planning and partnerships (MAPP) framework for conducting community health planning

In order to improve health and advance the quality and performance of public health departments (PHDs), the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is developing a national voluntary accreditation program for state, local, territorial and tribal public health departments. PHAB encourages PHDs to prepare now, and to be familiar with accreditation requirements, including the need to conduct a community-wide health assessment. In order to prepare to meet this requirement, and to advance the health of an economically disadvantaged tri-county region, three county health departments, numerous social service agencies, two hospitals, and one college of public health partnered to implement Mobilizing Action Through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) from the NACCHO. College of Public Health personnel, including students, administrators and faculty, facilitated the six-step MAPP process across a three county region in Northeast Ohio to conduct community-driven strategic planning for improving community health. Secondary data collection and analyses served as the primary assessment strategy using County Health Rankings from the University of Wisconsin combined with the DHHS Health Status Indicators. Collectively, these county level indicators provided partners with an excellent starting point for determining priorities utilizing measurable outcomes that could be tracked over time. During difficult economic times, it is imperative to optimize efficiencies by developing productive collaborations that can maximize the use of existing health assessment data for strategic planning. Presenters will discuss the merits and mechanics of this innovative academic/community partnership, using existing data sources, guided by a replicable MAPP framework that can be customized to meet local needs and resources.