Community Health Assessment and Health Improvement Plan (CHA CHIP) Guidance

This page provides guidance for completing community health assessments (CHAs) and community health improvement plans (CHIPs).

For a quick snapshot of CHA/CHIP best practices and resources, view this flyer.

Step-by-Step Guide 

The following CHA CHIP guide consists of basic steps and tools for community assessment and planning. Key elements include an analysis of community health needs and assets and developing a set of priorities and objectives for taking action. The process calls for community-wide participation in shaping decisions about improving the community’s health and mobilizing support and resources. The basic steps in the guide are consistent with the assessment and planning requirements in the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Public Health Standards (Domains 1 and 5) and IRS requirements for tax-exempt hospitals based on Section 501(r)(3) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act . However, additional documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with PHAB and IRS requirements. See the documents referenced above for specific documentation requirements.

• CHA CHIP Guide Summary 
• CHA CHIP Guide Complete 

Step 1: Adopt a Planning Structure

• Adopt a Planning Structure 

Step 2: Identify & Engage Stakeholders as Partners

• Identify and Engage Stakeholders 
• Partnership Assessment Tool 
• Stakeholder Meeting Record Worksheet 
• Developing Mission & Vision 

Step 3: Identify & Secure Resources

• Identify & Secure Resources 

Step 4: Identify Data that Describes Community Health Status & Needs

• Identify Data Describing Community Health Status & Needs 
• County Health Data Resources 
• Three Key Questions for Partners 
• Identify Community Health Assets 
• SWOT Worksheet 
• Community Survey Template 

Step 5: Analyze the Data & Develop a CHA Summary

• Analyze Data & Develop a CHA Summary  

Step 6: Review Factors that are Important for Health & Well-Being (Priority Setting)

• Setting Priorities 
• Prioritization/Brainstorming Resources 
• Priority Setting Worksheet 

Step 7: Document Stakeholder Discussion & Invite Broader Community Participation & Input

• Document Key Points of Stakeholder Discussion & Invite Broader Community Participation & Input 
• Stakeholder Meeting Record Worksheet 

Step 8: Develop the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

• Develop the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) 
• Identifying Goals Objectives Strategies  
• A Framework for Public Health Action 

Step 9: Implement, Track Progress, & Sustain the Process

• Implement, Track Progress, & Sustain the Process  

Step 10: Establish & Implement a Communication Plan

• Establish & Implement a Communication Plan 

Step 11: Evaluate Goals, Objectives, Strategies, & the Communication Plan

• Evaluate Goals, Objectives, Strategies, & the Communication Plan