Essential Service #5:
Develop Policies and Plans that Support Individual And Community Health Efforts 
What Does it Mean?
Developing Polices and Plans that Support Individual and Community Health Efforts requires the development of collaborative plans, regulations and legislation to guide the practice of public health. This requires systematic community- and state-level planning for health improvement in all jurisdictions. This planning process focuses on the alignment of local resources and strategies with the community health improvement process.
Developing polices and plans that support individual and community health efforts requires the participation of stakeholders from different sectors of the community to set priorities and take action. This process is often led by a governmental body, or a community health planning agency like the SSCHC.
Why is it a Priority?
According to the results of the Local Public Health Assessment Tool, Essential Service #5, Developing Policies and Plans that Support Individual and Community Health Efforts, is the area of greatest need in Southern Strafford County. This essential service received a score of 23 out of a maximum score of 100. Among the four indicators used by this essential service, the creation of a coordinated Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP) was identified as the area of greatest need.