Community Health Assessment (CHA)
Colorado public health departments are mandated through Colorado Senate Bill 194-Health Reauthorization Act to complete a comprehensive community health assessment every five years. Community Health Assessments look at various health data points to determine where health problems exist and what contributes to those problems. Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) partners with various county-wide organizations and individuals to complete community health assessments. CHAs help inform the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)—a plan that sets up the community’s goals for the upcoming five years around health-related issues.
CHA Priorities and Data for 2022-2024
The health priorities selected for 2022-2024 remained Obesity and Behavioral Health (Substance Use and Mental Health Concerns). The emphasis of these priorities for the CHA and CHIP are directly linked to the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). To view data related to the two priorities use the accordion menu below.
The most recent assessment was completed in 2021. The 2021 CHA Report summarizes the process and outcomes. For a condensed version, please read the 2021 CHA Report_Condensed.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are “the conditions in the places where people live and grow, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.” These environments are shaped by the movement of money, power, and resources globally, nationally, and locally. Social determinants of health are frequently responsible for health inequities or unfair and avoidable differences in health. Differences in health are most striking in communities with poor SDOH such as unstable housing, low income, substandard education, and unsafe neighborhoods. By working to positively change SDOH through programs, policies, and resource allocation, there are opportunities to improve health outcomes for large numbers of people in ways that can be sustained over time.
The Healthy People 2030 Model
PDPHE used the Healthy People 2030 model as a way to better address the social determinants of health in the 2021 CHA process.
5 domains
The Healthy People 2030 Social Determinants of Health model involves 5 domains (as listed below). These domains and objectives highlight the importance of "upstream" factors” —or economic, social, and physical environments that occur outside the health care systems— in improving health and reducing health disparities.
Economic Stability: Help people earn steady incomes that allow them to meet their health needs
Education: Increase educational opportunities and help children and adolescents do well in school.
Social and Community Context: Increase social and community
Health and Health Care: Increase access to comprehensive, high-quality health care services.
Neighborhood and Built Environment: Create neighborhoods and environments that promote health and safety.