Oral

The County Health Rankings, first released in 2010 by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provide an annual check-up of a community’s health by focusing on the many different factors that influence how long and how well we live. The County Health Rankings have raised awareness about the multiple determinants of health among leaders within diverse sectors, ranging from elected officials to public health and health care to the business community. Recognizing that increased awareness was only the first step in advancing efforts to improve health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has now funded a multi-pronged approach to action: County Health Roadmaps. This session will illustrate how County Health Roadmaps activities are increasing the engagement of leaders from multiple sectors who are focusing on policy, systems and environmental change to address all of the determinants of health with a special focus on social and economic determinants, thereby addressing prevention and wellness across the lifespan. The session will feature County Health Rankings & Roadmaps partners who have moved from discussions and assessments about the determinants of health to implementing initiatives within their communities. Featured speakers will include a mayor and his colleagues who used the County Health Rankings to lead a multi-sectoral effort to strengthen education and improve the built environment in his lowest ranking county; a United Way leader who is transforming their United Way’s work from distributing funds to creating synergy among multiple partners to reduce obesity; and a local health department, working with community partners, to advocate for consumer-focused banking services to improve low income residents’ financial security.

Session Objectives: Describe how the County Health Rankings illustrate the multiple determinants of health Identify strategies to use the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps tools to engage diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful action

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)