By Tim Mastro

As part of the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan, the Division of Public Health is conducting a series of community assessments.

The division said the appraisals will work to improve understanding of the medical concerns and needs of Delawareans and bolster the health of residents. It has partnered with the University of Delaware’s Epidemiology Program and the Partnership for Healthy Communities to survey each county.

Teams of students and community members will go door-to-door to canvass households. The program will also provide incentives for completed questionnaires.

Canvassing in Kent County is scheduled Nov. 10, while Sussex County’s surveying will occur Feb. 16, 2023. New Castle County was the first to be canvassed, with completion Thursday.

The assessments are part of a broader and more comprehensive Statewide Health Assessment, underway through next year. It includes hosting conversations across the state, gathering and analyzing existing data, and convening a collaborative coalition.

“The State Health Assessment is the foundation for developing Delaware’s next SHIP,“ said Public Health interim director Dr. Rick Hong. “This information will describe the health of Delaware’s population and identify areas for health improvement, contributing factors that impact health outcomes and community assets and resources that can mobilize to improve Delaware’s health over the next five years.”

Dr. Jennifer Horney, founding director of the Epidemiology Program at the university, said the school is happy to help with the initiative.

“We are excited to support the Delaware SHIP and appreciate the opportunities for our students to apply their skills in gathering, analyzing and presenting health information,” she said. “Whether canvassing neighborhoods with community residents, facilitating a community conversation or working alongside diverse stakeholders as part of a statewide coalition, our students are learning the importance and value of a health assessment and improvement process aimed at involving the community, stakeholders and partners each step along the way.”

A State Health Improvement Plan is a long-term, systematic plan to address the public health issues identified in the Statewide Health Assessment. It reflects the public health system and its strategic priorities, as well as demographics and the community makeup.

The plan addresses the highest health priorities of Delaware’s population and covers various medical issues, such as access to health care, infant mortality, obesity and tobacco prevention.

To learn about the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan, visit here.