A Health in All Policies Approach for Rural Counties: Monterey, CA - CA4Health

In 2011, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the Strategic Plan of the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD).  Health in All Policies (HiAP) has been the framework for addressing health inequities throughout the county and supporting the goals of the Strategic Plan and seeking national accreditation.  The HiAP approach to improving the health of all  by incorporating health considerations into decision making processes has been pivotal in the work of the department.  It is estimated that more than 4,000 community members, Health Department members, organizations, and stakeholders have received or have been involved in health equity discussions, dialogues and trainings.  Intentional efforts were utilized in addressing the complex systemic issues our communities face, how these issues impact residents’ health and wellness, and the role the community can play to solve them.  MCHD’s approach to developing health equity trainings has initiated conversations with policy makers about equity that have resulted in city and community leaders collaborating to achieve the same goal.  

This presentation will provide practical tips for local health departments to use data to support HiAP approaches, in particular policies, projects, strategies, and strategic planning.  Representatives from MCDH will discuss our approach to leveraging existing opportunities, such as CA4Health Community Transformation Grant funds, for making health the center of focus across government sectors.  We will also share a high quality video created within the health department that documents the health equity/HiAP work underway, and the collaborative work we are doing with community partners.