IDENTIFYING STRATEGIC ISSUES

STEP 1: Understand the definition of a strategic issue.

Strategic issues are those fundamental policy choices or critical challenges that must be addressed in order for a community to achieve its vision. They pose a threat, present an opportunity, or require a change.

  • They reveal what is truly important from the community health assessment information.
  • Addressing them is critically important to be able achieve the community health vision and to the local public health system.
  • They require community action and must be something we can actually address at the community level.
  • They relate to more than one of the four assessments.
  • Strategic issues are forward thinking and seize on current opportunities.
  • They allow a community to be proactive instead of reactive.

Examples of strategic issues:

  • How can the public health community ensure access to population based and personal health care?
  • How can the partnership strengthen coordination among public health partners in order to assure the health of the public?
  • How can we achieve equitable health outcomes for all community members?
  • How can we position health as a consideration in community policy and planning decisions?
  • How can we best provide education and awareness activities to improve life style choices that impact health?
  • How do we make “real” change in the nutrition and physical activity choices families make that affect their children’s health?

Step 2: Review community health vision and values. Consider what we need to do to accomplish our vision as you review the assessments.

COMMUNITY HEALTH VISION—KittitasCounty is a compassionate and safe community whereessential needs are met and we are empowered with tools to lead a purposeful life.

COMMUNITY HEALTH VALUES—Everyonein our community has:

  • Affordableand stable housing
  • Healthy and affordable food
  • Access to adequateeducational opportunities
  • Knowledge about healthy choices and healthy behaviors
  • Access to health resources and information
  • Access to affordable, quality health care
  • An environment that promotes health and wellness
  • Social support and connections to support health
  • The ability and desire to contribute positively to society

STEP 3: Review the four assessments and make notes for each one on the main challenges and opportunities revealed by each assessment.

  • What do the assessments tell us about challenges we face in achieving our community health vision and values?
  • What opportunities do they reveal that may help us achieve our community health vision and values?

FORCES OF CHANGE ASSESSMENT

ChallengesOpportunities

COMMUNITY THEMES AND STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

ChallengesOpportunities

LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM ASSESSMENT

ChallengesOpportunities

COMMUNITY HEALTH STATUS ASSESSMENT

ChallengesOpportunities

Step 4: Review your opportunities and challenges and identify any common themes that emerged across more than one assessment. What story does the assessment information tell about the health of our community?