Department Assessments and Plans
In 2008, Colorado’s Public Health Act (C.R.S. 25-1-505) was signed into law. It specifically designated public health functions for health departments in Colorado.
In addition, on Oct. 19, 2011, the Colorado State Board of Health passed the Core Public Health Services – New Rule. This rule requires local public health agencies to deliver or assure that core public health services are provided to the community and it also requires the agency to complete a Public Community Health Improvement Planning process every five years.
Community Health Assessment
Every five years health departments are required to complete a Community Health Assessment (CHA). The assessment provides an overview of the current health status of our counties in order to strategically inform and prioritize the health issues we address, with our local partners, as your health department. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted us all; in 2022, in order to strategically inform and assist the prioritization of health issues in Adams County, Tri-County Health Department completed a county-specific CHA ahead of the five-year cycle.
CHAs allow us to learn about the community: the health of the population, factors contributing to higher health risks or poorer health outcomes of identified populations, and community assets and resources that can improve population health. Input from the community, stakeholders, and partners is a critical part of building the CHA. In 2021-2022, we partnered with community-based organizations in Adams County to engage more meaningfully with community members and partners.
- 2022 Adams County Community Health Assessment (released May 2022)
Community Health Improvement Plan
Adams County Health Department and community partners are developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). In Colorado, this process is guided by the Colorado Health Assessment and Planning System (CHAPS). The CHIP builds upon the Community Health Assessment, detailing a plan for the community – created by the community – to address the health topics the community said are important.
ACHD and the Adams County Thriving Communities Collective – a partnership of county staff, community partners, and community residents – are working together to develop the inaugural Adams County Community Health Improvement Plan. Please email Callie Preheim, Public Health Planning and Evaluation Senior Advisor, at [email protected] with any questions or interest in participating in the Collective. We will share additional details and ways to get involved throughout 2024.
On January 18, 2024, the Adams County Board of Health approved the three Community Health Improvement Plan priority areas and vision statements:
Economic Security
Vision: In a thriving Adams County, there are equitable, reliable, and resilient economic opportunities, including assistance as needed, for all people to build a financial future that can adapt to changes in the economy and needs across the lifespan and benefits future generations.
Housing
Vision: In a thriving Adams County, housing is accessible, affordable, and high quality for all, cultivating a healthy, inclusive, and flourishing community where residents can remain in place and live with dignity.
Access to Care
Vision: In a thriving Adams County, every individual has access to timely, compassionate, and culturally-appropriate, whole-person health care.
We would like to thank all the partners who have worked on this effort:
- Resident Leaders
- Access Housing
- Adams County Department of Human Services
- Adams County Government: Community Safety and Well Being
- Adams County Health Department
- Adelante Community Development
- Aurora Public Schools
- Bennett Parks and Recreation District
- Caring and Sharing
- City of Commerce City
- City of Westminster
- Clinica Family Health
- Community Reach Center
- Crawford Elementary Schools, Aurora Public Schools
- Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
- Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County (ECPAC)
- East Colfax Community Collective
- Food for Hope
- Growing Home
- Henderson Community Church
- Maiker Housing Partners
- Montview Elementary School, Aurora Public Schools
- NAMI Colorado
- Northglenn United Church of Christ
- Platte Valley Medical Center/ Intermountain Health
- St. Anthony North Hospital
- UCHealth
- Village Exchange Center
Contact
If you would like to learn more about our assessment and planning processes, please contact Callie Preheim, Public Health Planning and Evaluation Senior Advisor, at [email protected].
