Why We Do This Work
Create Thriving Communities
Health is determined by more than our choices and access to care.
In fact, 80% of what makes people healthy occurs outside of a doctor’s visit.
Environment
Genetics
Access to Care
Healthy Behaviors
Unfair practices and social issues affect the health of communities, and just encouraging healthy choices isn't enough. Important factors that contribute to overall health include:
Safe places to live
Reliable public transportation
Access to affordable healthy food
Good education
Well-paying jobs
Opportunities to be physically active
We aim to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact health using a health for all approach, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity for a healthy life. However, changing health outcomes doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to notice the results of our efforts.
The goal of HPWC is to create thriving communities where all people in Wood County have a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible, regardless of income, age, location, race, ethnicity, gender, or any other factor.
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Since 1993, Wisconsin law has required local health departments, including Wood County, to create local health plans to tackle health issues affecting their residents.
These plans aim to improve the health of the community and its residents are called the Community Health Assessment (CHA) & the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Wisconsin Statute Chapter 251, Section 05 details the requirement that all local health departments must complete the CHA and CHIP at least every five years.
Click here to read more about local health department requirements and processes.
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On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law with an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirement that all non-profit healthcare systems collaborate with their local health department to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) & Implementation Strategy (IS) at least every three years.
This community health plan is a collaboration between the health department and health systems, each with their own strategies for implementation.
Click here to read more about health system requirements and processes