Multisectoral perspectives on using county health rankings to mobilize community action

Like many diverse, urban, and low-income areas in the country, Wyandotte County (which includes Kansas City, Kansas) has long struggled with problems of poor health among its residents. After placing last in both local and national county health ranking reports, officials decided to take action. Created to lead this effort, the Healthy Communities Wyandotte initiative formed partnerships with local government, school systems, health care providers, businesses, social service providers and residents and began to address social determinants of health through legislative action and community programs. This session will feature the work it takes to create a successful collaboration between diverse partners to turn public health data into meaningful community action. Presenters will include: the Kansas Health Institute (KHI), a technical adviser; Wyandotte's public health department, the initiative's facilitator; and the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, the initiative's leader. KHI will present background information on Wyandotte County and the success and challenges it experienced in partnering with the community. The health department will present on its intermediary role between technical advisers, community partners and government leaders, and how it facilitates the formation and work of the initiative. Finally, Mayor Joe Reardon will present on how he has used data to develop evidence-based policies, the political and financial effort it takes to implement such changes, and his methods for inspiring multisectoral support. Each perspective will be valuable for public health professionals using the County Health Rankings and creating community coalitions to address social determinants of health.