Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP)

St. Mary's County Health Department

1. Advise the Board of County Commissioners, serving as the Board of Health, on health issues and to develop and recommend proposed health policy, and;
2. To serve as the St. Mary’s County Health Planning Agency.

BACKGROUND:

What is a Health Improvement Plan?
A health improvement plan provides a framework and consensus-based recommendations for improving the health of residents of a local community. It provides insight into health solutions for the long-term and presents a road map for achieving optimal health for all. A positive health status provides the foundation for success in health and business, thus providing a building block for a healthy community and economy.

How was the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) developed and what does it contain?
SHIP 2011-14 targets were selected after reviewing state, local and national plans and indicators, consulting with state officials, and meeting with health and community leaders to discuss health outcomes and factors.
The SHIP includes 39 measures in six focus areas that represent what it means for Maryland to be healthy. The first measure, to increase life expectancy, is a SHIP overarching goal and encompasses all of the six vision areas.


The six focus areas include:   

1. Healthy Babies
2. Healthy Social Environments
3. Safe Physical Environments
4. Infectious Disease
5. Chronic Disease, and;
6. Healthcare Access

Through ongoing public feedback, SHIP measures may be adjusted and revised.


How was the St. Mary’s County Local Health Improvement Plan developed?
In 2009, St. Mary’s Hospital obtained a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration in order to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment Holleran, Inc., a leading medical research organization, contacted over 1,100 residents in the community via phone, face-to face interviews, and as part of focus groups. Information from a secondary profile yielded additional quantitative and qualitative information. After completing the survey, the St. Mary’s County Community Health Advisory Committee (CHAC), the health advisory board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, held ongoing meetings with teams of health care professionals, social service agencies, public health representatives, and other local organizations to determine health priorities for St. Mary’s County. These priorities were chosen according to seriousness of the issue and the ability for the community to make an impact on improving the condition. The assessment process will be repeated every three years in order to guide efforts in community outreach and in raising awareness for the residents of St. Mary’s County.

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING SCHEDULE:

 Members of the St. Mary’s County Community Health Advisory Committee (CHAC), acting as the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC), serve as a forum to locally prioritize the SHIP’s objectives by developing and implementing strategies to improve public health. Members of the Coalition include:

Coalition members meet quarterly in the Board Room at St. Mary’s Hospital.


The 2012 meeting schedule is: 

• February 15, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. 
• May 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. 
• August 15, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
• November 14, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Contact Person:            William B. Icenhower, MD, MPH, LHIC Leader 
                                        Health Officer 

                                        Tracy Kubinec, MBA, MPH 
                                        Deputy Health Officer 

                                        St. Mary’s County Health Department 
                                        P.O. Box 316 
                                        Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 
                                        Phone: 301-475-4330 
                                        Fax: 301-475-4350


What are the Areas of Concern for St. Mary’s County?
While St. Mary’s County excels in many areas, particularly in median household income, rates of medically insured residents, low crime rate, and rates of divorce, some areas were determined to be areas of concern according to the Community Health Needs Assessment. These areas of concern include:

1. Obesity 
2. Healthcare Provider Shortage
3. Tobacco Use
4. Childhood Sexual Abuse
5. Infant and Child Death Rates

VISION:

Additional Resources