Harris County Public Health Unveils 2024-2029 Community Health Improvement Plan to Address Key Health Challenges
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has unveiled its 2024-2029 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a comprehensive initiative designed to address the most pressing health challenges facing the county over the next five years. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and equity, the plan focuses on three key health areas: health insurance and care access, preventative care, and mental health. The plan is the result of extensive data collection, community input, and collaboration with local stakeholders and is aimed at improving health outcomes for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
The 2024-2029 CHIP targets the following priority health issues:
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Health Insurance and Care Access: Expanding access to affordable health services to ensure more residents can receive the care they need.
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Preventative Care: Promoting preventative health measures to help community members stay healthier and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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Mental Health: Strengthening resources and support for mental health services to address the growing demand and ensure more residents have access to the care they need.
These focus areas are based on findings from the 2024 Community Health Assessment, which provides detailed insights into the county’s health challenges. The assessment and the CHIP were developed through a collaborative process with the CHA-CHIP Steering Committee, a group of 11 diverse organizations dedicated to tackling health disparities across the region.
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Brandon Maddox, Director of the Office of Planning and Innovation at HCPH, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the creation of the CHIP: “The CHIP is a commitment to equity and collaboration. We know that public health issues affect different communities in different ways, and that is why tailored approaches are crucial. By engaging communities who have been historically underrepresented in health planning, we aim to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard in shaping a healthier future for Harris County.”
The CHIP, together with the Community Health Assessment, provides a strategic framework for tackling the county's most urgent health needs. HCPH, along with its Steering Committee partners, will implement the strategies outlined in the plan and track progress over the next five years. The plan is also designed to serve as a resource for local organizations, health providers, hospitals, and residents, supporting their own efforts to improve community health.
As Harris County's population continues to grow and evolve, the CHIP will adapt to meet new health challenges. Through partnerships and a focus on equitable solutions, HCPH aims to build a healthier and more resilient community for all residents.
For more information on the Community Health Improvement Plan and its goals, residents can visit HCPH’s Office of Planning and Innovation webpage or contact the CHA-CHIP team at CHA-CHIP@phs.hctx.net.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
