Making where we live a better place. . .

Mobilizing through Action Planning & Partnerships 

Making where we live a better place...

Phase III: Four MAPP Assessment

The Forces of Change Assessment focused on identifying impending changes in Dickinson County that affect the context in which the community, the public health and social services systems operate. Changes affecting Dickinson County:

• Military Influx • Immigration & Language Barrier
• Housing availability, affordability, quality • Environment: Air, Water, Recycling
• Technology & Communication • Aging Population issues 
• Medical & Dental Services, Insurance Coverage • $$$$wages/jobs, government funded programs 

The Community Themes and Strengths Assessment provided a deep understanding of the issues that residents feel are important. Over 3,000 surveys were distributed throughout Dickinson County garnering a 37% response rate. Overall 49% responded that Dickinson County was somewhat unhealthy and surprisingly, 49% of respondents did no volunteer work in the community.

Most important factors for a healthy community: Good schools, Low crime/safe neighborhoods,

Good place to raise children Most important health problems: Cancers, Aging problems, Alcohol and Drugs Most important risky behaviors: Alcohol Abuse, Being Overweight, Drug Use Health issues needing most attention: Youth Tobacco Use, Clean Water for Drinking, Safe Food Issues most satisfied with: Good place to raise children, Safety, Sense of Community

The Community Health Status Assessment identified priority community health and quality of life issues through gathering data from a variety of sources. Data was collected and analyzed for Dickinson County on:

• Demographic Characteristics • Environmental Health Indicators
• Socioeconomic Characteristics • Social and Mental Health
• Health Resource and Availability • Maternal and Child Health
• Quality of Life • Death, Illness and Injury
• Behavioral Risk Factors • Infectious Disease

• Delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

The Local Public Health System Assessment is a comprehensive assessment developed and analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control that included input from all of the entities that contribute to the public's health. This assessment provided an in-depth look at how Dickinson County is providing the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

 

 

Phase IV: Identifying Strategic Issues

A facilitated meeting was held March 19, 2008 to review findings of the four assessments conducted in 2007 and discuss recurring themes and issues. Five areas of issue were identified in which 18 different strategies to be implemented were developed. Of these 18 strategies, five were chosen as top priority to build a healthy Dickinson County.

1. Infrastructure: Develop a countywide housing authority to recommend, implement and monitor housing standards, affordability and availability.

2. Volunteerism: Research creating a volunteer center.

3. Education: Provide lifelong learning skills that meet the social and economic needs of Dickinson County.

4. Youth: Establish a countywide task force comprised of youth, law enforcement, schools, parents, service organizations and business with the purpose of addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues.

5. Healthy Lifestyles: Promote and encourage Environmental Stewardship.

Many other areas of concern including health care accessibility, services for the aging, obesity, supporting military families and broadening the scope of collaboration were of concern to the coalition and should also be considered as work progresses on addressing the top five strategic areas.

Phase V: Formulate Goals and Strategies

The Quality of Life Coalition will continue to host a monthly community forum in which the top five strategic priorities will be developed into action steps with measurable objectives. The community forum will serve as an continual opportunity to broaden collaboration efforts, develop additional key community partnerships and move the MAPP process into Phase VI.

Phase: VI: The Action Cycle!

Planning, implementation & evaluation will be ongoing as programs evolve and goals are reached in making Dickinson County a thriving community providing opportunities for all to live a quality life.

 

Thanks to the following organizations for making MAPP possible:

8th Judicial District Dickinson County Administration Abilene Animal Hospital Dickinson County Commissioners Abilene Area Ministerial Alliance Dickinson County Environmental Service Abilene Downtown Revitalization Committee Dickinson County Emergency Management Abilene Economic Development Council Dickinson County Emergency Medical Services American Red Cross, Dickinson County Chapter Dickinson County Health Department Beta Sigma Phi Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Heartland ProgramsBoy Scouts, Coronado Area Council Kansas Department of Health & Environment Center for Community Support & Research, Wichita State University Kansas Kids In Crisis Centers for Disease Control Central Kansas Foundation & Regional Prevention Center Central Kansas Mental Health Center Children and Families Coalition Children’s Mercy Health Partnership City of Abilene

Making Where We Live A Better Place