Umatilla County Public Health has released an innovative roadmap to transform the health and wellbeing of the community through 2026.
Developed in collaboration with over 30 local health and community organizations, the Umatilla County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) outlines the top priorities and strategies for improving health outcomes. The CHIP is based on comprehensive Community Health Assessment data published in late 2021.
The CHIP committee voted on the key priorities for enhancing the health and well-being of our community. These priorities include reducing chronic diseases, improving behavioral and mental health, enhancing maternal and child health, addressing housing and houselessness, and promoting senior care.
Each priority area has dedicated subcommittees that have developed strategies to achieve objectives.
“The CHIP is a powerful tool for collaborating and advancing health outcomes in our Community,” said Joseph Fiumara Jr., director of Umatilla County Public Health. “It embodies our steadfast dedication to constructing a healthier, happier, more resilient community.”
Umatilla County Public Health said it will focus on the strategies outlined in the CHIP. These include the innovative Community Gardens Project in Pendleton, which aims to promote healthy eating habits and increase access to fresh produce. Other strategies include suicide prevention efforts, wellness activities for seniors, and Narcan training, which can save lives in the event of an opioid overdose. More than 100 strategies to improve community health are identified in the CHIP.
“We welcome everyone in our community to explore the online version of the CHIP, discover the strategies and expected outcomes, and participate in their implementation,” added Fiumara. “Your involvement can significantly impact our community’s health and well-being.”
For more information on the CHIP and how you can get involved, visit the country health website.
