WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

STRATEGIC PLAN

2009 - 2012

VISION

Washington County Health Department will be a place for everyone.

MISSION

The Washington County Health Department will access, educate and provide public health services for our families and community.

VALUES

          The Board of Trustees and employees of the Washington County Health Department operates in accordance with the highest standards to provide excellent public health services to the citizens of our county. We enjoy our jobs and believe that we have a positive self image and in working as a team. We also feel that all people, clients, and team members should be treated with respect and honesty. Finally the Washington County Health Department believes in the importance of working with local, state, and federal authorities in order to protect our citizens, identify health disparities, and address health priorities within our community.

GOAL 1

To Continue to Improve the Health Services for the Residents of Washington County

Objective 1:

Improve Adolescent Health Program

Strategies

• 1. Stay Actively Involved in Program to Reduce Obesity and Increase Physical Activity
• 2. Expand the Teen Outreach Program to all Areas of County
• 3. Increase Involvement in Drug and Alcohol use Awareness Initiatives
• 4. Continue Dental Sealant Program and Explore Ways to Sustain It
• 5. Continue to Work with Community Stakeholders to Reduce Teen Pregnancy Rate

Objective 2:

Increase Adult Health Education Programs

Strategies

• 1. Stay Actively Involved in Programs to Reduce Obesity and Increase Physical Activity
• 2. Provide outreach education to groups within our community requesting information on various health topics including chronic illnesses
• 3. Expand the WiseWoman Program through DHSS
• 4. Develop and implement tobacco control cessation education plan

Objective 3:

Expand Existing Prenatal Care for Residents of Washington County

Strategies

• 1. Continue to work with Great Mines FQHC and other community stakeholders to offer quality care to all pregnant women in Washington County
• 2. Enhance existing prenatal care and develop new partnerships/resources
• 3. Research and refer resources for family planning
• 4. Improve office space design and investigate expansion

Objective 4:

Develop New Resources for Care of Washington County Community

Strategies

• 1. Seek Funding to Expand Tobacco Control and Cessation Programs for Youth and Adults
• 2. Seek Funding Resources to Increase and Provide Services for health disparity areas

Objective 5:

Increase the Awareness of Available Resources for Men, Women, and Children to Detect and Prevent Disease

Strategies

• 1. Use local media to publicize available health department services and other new programs available
• 2. Work with Community Partnership and the School health Coalition to provide information about resources that available through the health department
• 3. Explore and develop partnering opportunities to expand Mammography Initiative

GOAL 2

To Enhance the Credentials of Staff

Objective 1:

Continue Education for Staff

Strategies

• 1. Train Staff in Latest Technologies
• 2. Train Staff in Latest Public Health Practices

Objective 2:

Improve Capacity Building

Strategies

• 1. Provide Staff with Technological Equipment to Provide Comprehensive Services
• 2. Work with other local agencies to share resources to improve client services, example: emergency planning
• 3. Obtain funding for purchase of new equipment, example Missouri Foundation of Health

GOAL 3

        To Increase Collaboration with Community and Government Stakeholders

Objective 1:

Enhance the Washington County Health Department Visibility and Accessibility

Strategies

• 1. Participate in Local and State Committees
• 2. Participate in Local and State Programs to Improve Services
• 3. Increase Working Space for Employees and Convenience of Clients
• 4. Collaborate with local businesses and other agencies within our community to promote public health

Objective 2:

Increase and Enhance Community Partnerships

Strategies

• 1. Monitor and Publicize Public Health Activities
• 2. Invite Community Leaders to Participate in Program Outreach Activities
• 3. Become more involved with local businesses (Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Committee) to promote better health for the community
• 4. Work with local stakeholders to address health priorities chosen by partners in the 2009 Community Assessment. These include abuse and neglect, alcohol/substance abuse and smoking.