Healthy 2024: Springfield-Greene County Health’s Community Health Improvement Plan

As we step into a new year, many of us are making resolutions to lead healthier and happier lives. This is similar to the vision of Springfield-Greene County Health (SGCH) which is “helping ALL people live longer, healthier, happier lives.” To make this vision a reality, SGCH, along with local healthcare and mental health partners, is setting the stage for a healthier future with a commitment to our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The essence of New Year’s resolutions lies in the spirit of positive change and improvement. This philosophy is incorporated into developing a comprehensive CHIP that focuses on enhancing the overall health and well-being of our community. It’s not just about personal goals but a shared commitment to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Much like individual resolutions, SGCH’s CHIP is a roadmap for the entire community, outlining key areas for improvement and setting actionable goals. From supporting care coordination to addressing mental health, the plan aims to make measurable strides towards a healthier, more resilient community.

Within the CHIP are two pivotal strategies that stand out as SGCH’s resolutions for 2024: establishing Family Connects and establishing an overdose fatality review board. Launching in early 2024, Family Connects seeks to provide support to new parents in caring for their newborn(s) through home visits and connection to community resources. The program will provide nursing visits for families after an infant is born to assess the health and community connections of the child and family. After the visit, Family Connects nurses will improve the wellbeing of the newborn and family by linking families to support and resources. Also launching this year is an effort to review overdose fatalities. The reviewers, consisting of experts from many community partners, will look at the factors and risks behind fatal overdoses to identify ways to prevent future overdoses in the community. These two strategies form the backbone of our New Year’s resolution for a healthier, more resilient community.

To make the CHIP a reality, SGCH is collaborating with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders. This teamwork amplifies the impact of the plan, creating a network of support that extends to every corner of our county. Together, we can turn our resolutions into lasting, positive change. This New Year, let’s not just make resolutions — let’s make a lasting commitment to the well-being of our community. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous year ahead!