Haleigh Leslie is lead author of an article in the Journal of Public Health Management. The article is titled “Disability Inclusion in Local Public Health Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans.” Drs. Kate Beatty, Kailee Havrda, and Casey Balio of the College of Public Health are co-authors along with members of the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development and Special Olympics International.
Drs. Kate Beatty, Kailee Havrda, and Casey Balio of the College of Public Health are co-authors along with members of the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development and Special Olympics International.
Community health assessments (CHAs) and community health improvement plans (CHIPs) are important in helping local health departments (LHD) understand the health issues and health outcomes of the communities they serve. Further, as part of the 10 Essential Services of Public Health, they guide the longer-term work and priorities of the LHD and their community partners. This study examines how local health departments incorporate disability inclusion into their CHAs and CHIPs. It highlights that while some LHD have made progress in including people with disabilities in their assessments and planning processes, there remains significant room for improvement.
Key findings suggest that many CHAs and CHIPs lack comprehensive data on people with disabilities and often do not engage them in the planning process, leading to gaps in addressing the unique health needs of this population. The authors recommend that LHD adopt more inclusive practices by actively involving people with disabilities in health assessments and planning, collecting detailed data on disability status, and implementing targeted strategies to address identified health disparities.
“The HSMP coursework and the opportunities to participate in practice-based research projects through the Center for Rural Health and Research were invaluable to completing this research project,” said Leslie. “I am thankful for the guidance and mentoring from my committee members to help me build upon my public health experience to support the work we do in public health practice.”