Health Priorities & Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about why and how health departments like Missoula Public Health use Community Health Assessments (CHAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) to improve population health.
What is a CHA?
CHA stands for community health assessment. The community health assessment’s goal is to describe the overall health of the community by including information and data about:
- The community’s demographics, such as age, income, race, and other relevant information
- The health needs of the community
- Resources available to the community to improve health
- Factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community
It also includes information on specific populations that may be at increased risk of poor health outcomes and gives MPH and community partners a better idea of the health needs throughout the community. It is used with the Community Health Improvement Plan to justify how and where resources should be applied to best meet community needs.
What is a CHIP?
CHIP stands for community health improvement plan. A community health improvement plan uses data collected in the CHA with collaboration from community partners and members. Its goal is to identify the most pressing health issues for the community. Those involved develop and implement strategies for action to include in the plan. The plan takes into account and includes public health, health services, environmental, business, economic, housing, land use, and other community issues indirectly affecting the public’s health. It is typically updated every three to five years. Those involved also track progress to show improvement of health in the community.
How do I get involved?
Community involvement in the CHA and CHIP is important. To get involved, please email the Accreditation and Workforce Development Coordinator at [email protected]
Community Health Improvement Plan Priority Areas
Over 100 stakeholders representing 41 community agencies were involved in developing the CHIP. During this process, data from the 2024 CHA was used to identify six priority areas.
- Substance Use Disorder, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health: According to community members, these issues are key concerns in our community. Concerns include the ability to prevent these conditions from happening and being able to access treatment when needed.
- Community Living: Community living is the ability of individuals to remain in their homes, maintain independence, and engage in social life. It especially applies to people with disabilities and people who are aging.
- Access to Care: Being able to access appropriate health care is essential for the health of everyone in our community. This includes affordability, accessing the types of care needed, and the availability of culturally appropriate care.
- Family Resources and Support: For every child to grow up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, parents and caregivers need access to resources, services, and support.
- Physical Health, Environmental Health, and Climate Health: Where you live is one of the most important factors that affects individual health. Addressing the built environment, especially as impacts from climate change increase, is essential to addressing physical and environmental health.
- Housing and Houselessness: Access to housing is a major influence on health and health outcomes.
To learn more about these priority areas, explore the pages linked below.
