Public health decisions impact millions of lives, yet many policies, funding allocations, and program developments are made without a clear financial roadmap.
What’s missing? Economic impact analysis.
Public health leaders rely on Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) to guide strategy, but without financial projections, cost-benefit analysis, and return on investment (ROI) models, these reports often fail to influence funding, policy, and legislative action.
Integrating Financial Data into Public Health Strategies
At Ascendant Healthcare Partners (AHP), a Healthy People 2030 Champion & NACCHO Affiliate, we help health departments, policymakers, and county officials integrate financial data into CHNAs, CHIPs, and Strategic Plans ensuring their public health priorities receive the funding and policy support they deserve.
Why Public Health Leaders Need Financial Data Now More Than Ever Public Health Programs Must Prove ROI to Secure Funding
Federal and state funding is increasingly competitive. Health departments must justify funding requests
with measurable economic impact.
Grant applications require financial impact projections state and federal legislators want to see
cost-effectiveness before approving budgets. County commissioners need
hard numbers to allocate resources. Without financial data, public health initiatives risk being overlooked in favor of projects that demonstrate strong cost-benefit potential.
The Cost of Inaction: Why Data-Driven Decisions Matter
Without financial analysis, public health leaders cannot accurately forecast the economic impact of chronic disease, preventable hospitalizations, or mental health crises.
Example: Failing to invest in early childhood vaccinations can lead to millions in emergency healthcare costs over a decade.
Example: Without financial modeling, policymakers may underfund mental health programs, leading to higher incarceration rates and public safety costs.
By using CHNA Impact & Financial Analysis, health departments can:
✔ Demonstrate long-term savings from preventive health investments
✔ Compare the cost of intervention vs. the cost of inaction
✔ Strengthen advocacy efforts for public health funding
County Leaders & Policymakers Demand Cost Justification
Local governments, commissioners, and legislators prioritize economic efficiency. They need financial justification before investing in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, or policy changes.
How CHNA Impact & Financial Analysis Helps Policymakers:
✔ Provides clear data on potential savings from preventive care
✔ Quantifies economic loss from untreated health disparities
✔ Aligns public health recommendations with budget cycles
Without financial impact data, even the most urgent public health issues struggle to gain traction at the county and state level.
How Health Departments Can Integrate Financial Data Into Decision-Making
Step 1: Evaluate gaps in existing CHNAs & CHIPs
Step 2: Use CHNA Impact & Financial Analysis to assess financial impact
Step 3: Present findings to county commissioners, funders, and legislative partners
Pro Tip: Align your CHNA with federal and state funding priorities to ensure eligibility for grants and budget appropriations.
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