Lead Through the Cuts: Strategic Planning for Health Departments in Crisis

Ascendant Healthcare Partners Helps Public Health Departments Lead with Confidence

When nearly half a billion dollars was cut from public health budgets in Kentucky and Indiana, leaders across the country took notice.

Budget reductions are no longer a possibility—they’re a reality.

At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we’re here to help you rise above the uncertainty. We specialize in helping health departments navigate compliance, demonstrate value, and deliver community-centered health plans—fast.

We’re Built for This Moment

Health departments are being asked to do more with less. We help you meet the moment with:

• Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA)

• Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP)

• Strategic Public Health Plans

• ROI-backed Cost to the Community Analysis™

Each plan we deliver is designed to meet mandates, build community trust, and equip you with tools to protect your programs and funding.

And we don’t just meet technical requirements—we lead with vision.

That’s why Ascendant Healthcare Partners is an official Healthy People 2030 Champion, recognized for advancing national health objectives with integrity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Need It Done by June 30? You’re in the Right Place.

We move fast—60-day turnaround fast. Our CHNA and CHIP clients often arrive with:

• Short timelines

• Overextended staff

• Unclear next steps

And we meet them with clarity, structure, and proven systems.

Explore our step-by-step CHNA process or learn how our CHIP services help you align with Healthy People 2030 goals—without the jargon.

Show the Value of Public Health with Real Numbers

Your programs are saving lives. But you also need to show how they save dollars.

That’s where our proprietary Cost to the Community Analysis™ comes in. It helps you:

• Connect services to economic outcomes

• Communicate ROI to funders and elected officials

• Justify staffing and programming with data that matters

This is how smart leaders make strong cases for continued investment—even in tight fiscal years.

Trusted by Health Departments Nationwide

From Florida to Arizona, we’ve supported over 50 local health departments and hospitals in completing plans that deliver real results.

Visit our Home Page for examples, or explore how our rural approach adapts to communities with geographic and resource limitations.

Whether you're a small county or a regional leader, our process is designed to scale with you.

Don’t Wait—Your Deadline Is Approaching

Need your CHNA or CHIP done before June 30?  Want a strategic plan that sets you apart from other departments?

Click here to contact us now or call (850) 789-3840.

Helpful Resources on Our Site

• Quick-Turnaround Indicator Lists (72 Hours)

• Public Health Planning Services Overview

• Health Equity Approach Without the Politics

• Our Recent Projects & Client Successes

Let’s Get to Work—Together

We’re here to meet you where you are, with strategies that work—even when your resources don’t.

Schedule a Call