A key role of local public health is to engage and support our community and partners to develop and execute plans for addressing public health issues while taking into consideration the impact of social issues and physical settings on health and well-being.
Public health utilizes the collective impact process to address complex problems, working with the community to achieve positive change.
One defining feature of the collective impact approach is the role of a backbone organization to coordinate the work of partners on an initiative. This infrastructure is essential to ensure the effort moves forward.
The functions of a backbone agency and dedicated staff are to:
- guide vision and strategy
- support aligned activities
- established shared measurement practices
- build public will
- advance policy
- mobilize funding to support the goals of the initiative
The Health District participates in numerous community efforts and acts as the backbone organization for multiple coalitions and committees in Benton and Franklin Counties.