Case Study
Wakulla County
Implementation and Community Collaboration
The success of the Wakulla Health Equity Plan hinges on strong community collaboration. Ascendant Healthcare Partners facilitated the creation of a multi-sector task force that includes representatives from local government, healthcare providers,
non-profit organizations, and community leaders. This task force is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated, and that progress is regularly monitored and evaluated.
A significant aspect of the implementation process is ongoing community engagement. The task force conducts regular town hall meetings, focus groups, and surveys to gather feedback from residents and adapt the plan to meet emerging needs.
This adaptive approach ensures that the Health Equity Plan remains relevant and effective in addressing the community's evolving health challenges.
The Wakulla Health Equity Plan is designed to meet the stringent standards set by National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), ensuring that the plan not only addresses local health disparities but also serves as a model for other communities. By aligning with the Florida State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), the plan supports statewide goals for reducing health disparities and promoting health equity.
Alignment with NACCHO, PHAB, and State of Florida SHIP
Impact and Future Directions
Since its implementation, the Wakulla County Health Equity Plan has led to notable improvements in community health outcomes. Increased access to healthcare services, particularly through telehealth, and enhanced community engagement have been key drivers of success. The plan has also fostered stronger collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in more coordinated and effective health initiatives.
Moving forward, the Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County and Ascendant Healthcare Partners are committed to sustaining these efforts and continuing to build on the progress made. By leveraging data-driven strategies and maintaining strong community partnerships, Wakulla County is well-positioned to achieve lasting health equity for all its residents.
Identifying Health
Disparities in Wakulla County
Wakulla County, located in the Florida Panhandle, is a diverse community facing unique health challenges. To address these issues and improve health outcomes, the Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County partnered with Ascendant Healthcare Partners to develop a health equity plan. This plan, built on the principles of collaboration, community engagement, and data-driven strategies, aligns with the State of Florida's SHIP and adheres to the standards set by NACCHO and PHAB.
The Wakulla County Health Equity Plan was developed after a thorough assessment of the community's health needs. Key health disparities identified included limited access to healthcare, high rates of chronic diseases, behavioral health challenges, and barriers related to social determinants of health such as economic stability and education.
Ascendant Healthcare Partners played a pivotal role in analyzing data from various sources, including the FloridaCHARTS and community surveys, to pinpoint areas where disparities were most pronounced. The findings highlighted that certain populations in Wakulla County, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, faced significant barriers to achieving optimal health.
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This case study illustrates the importance of a collaborative, data-driven approach to advancing health outcomes. Wakulla County's Health Equity Plan, developed in partnership with Ascendant Healthcare Partners, serves as a blueprint for other communities seeking to address health disparities and promote a healthier, more equitable future.