The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) has recently been approved by the Cabell-Huntington Health Department in West Virginia. Developed in collaboration with community stakeholders and partners, the plan aims to improve the overall health of the community over the next five years. According to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Kilkenny, the plan outlines specific goals for better health outcomes.
Through extensive research, four major objectives have been identified to focus on during implementation. These objectives include building community resilience around substance abuse and mental health, promoting equitable life expectancy, and creating a healthy built environment. Researchers have outlined specific actions needed to improve these areas and have identified existing resources that can be utilized to achieve these goals.
The plan also includes regular interval evaluations to assess progress and determine if adjustments are needed. Dr. Kilkenny emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and collaboration with partners to ensure that the strategies outlined in the plan are effective and responsive to any changes in the community. The full Community Health Improvement Plan is available for review on the health department’s website.
