Influencing Change Requires Careful Planning

While applying a comprehensive approach to improve the health of a community with limited resources is always a challenge, an appropriate planning framework helps to focus efforts and resources.

A Community Planning Process

Planning is a process of developing a logical progression of strategic activities that result in short-term impacts contributing to the realization of a desired long-term outcome. A number of planning models exist; however most are designed on a service-delivery model rather than a comprehensive community health approach.

In a comprehensive community health approach, the planning process happens at multiple levels and in various contexts. Nonetheless, a simple four-step process can be employed to develop a logic model to guide implementation and evaluation. Ideally, the first two steps in the model are embraced by the community as a whole. Although a particular group may initiate and lead the effort, the impact on community health will be determined by the degree of community awareness and engagement.

With community buy-in on the first two steps, diverse elements within the community can identify  short-term impacts and strategic activities within their spheres of influence that will contribute to the common goal. The strategies should be based on sound theory and, where possible, have evidence of effectiveness. Ongoing effort is needed to ensure these loosely coupled groups continue to share understanding and vision related to the challenge (see Columbia City story).

An inclusive culture is very important for bringing community members together and building community support. While it is not practical to include everyone in planning every initiative, the comprehensive community health approach ensures that everyone has the opportunity to be involved.