Created: November 2020
Allen County
Community Health
Improvement Plan
2020-2023 Addendum
To the 2018-2020 Plan
Annual Update, September 2021
This project was funded by the Ohio Department of Health and written in partnership with Center for Public Health Practice at The Ohio State
University’s College of Public Health
Written in partnership with Center for Public Health Practice
at The Ohio State University’s College of Public Health
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary .............................................. 2
II. Vision Statement .................................................. 7
III. Introduction ......................................................... 8
IV. Priority 1: Substance Use & Mental Health ......... 11
V. Priority 2: Chronic Disease Prevention ................ 12
VI. Priority 3: Maternal & Infant Health ................... 12
VII. Priority 4: Housing & Public Transportation ........ 13
VIII. Next Steps and Call to Action .............................. 14
IX. Appendix A: List of Key Terms ............................ 15
X. Appendix B: List of Community Partners ............. 16
XI. Appendix E: Work Plans ...................................... 18
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Revisions and Updates:
Date
Description of Changes
Pages
Affected
Reviewed or
Changed by
9/14/2021
Objectives have been added to Priority 3:
Maternal and Infant Health
7, 34, 35
Allen County
Maternal and Infant
Task Force
9/14/2021
Progress reports have been included in the
workplan section
18-41
CHIP Committee
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Executive Summary
How this plan came to be. This plan is an extension of the work that took place in the spring of 2018
through a process called Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). MAPP is a
nationally respected community health assessment and improvement planning framework that involves
defining a vision for health in the community, and comprehensively assessing the community’s health.
The MAPP process takes place every 5 years, and Allen County partners first participated in the MAPP in
2013. In early 2018, partners and community members chose to work towards four health priorities:
Substance Use and Mental Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Maternal and Infant Health, and Housing
and Public Transportation. The partners developed a detailed workplan that became the 2018-2020
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). You can find the 2018 -2020 CHIP at this link, along with
the results of the MAPP assessments. Throughout 2018-2020, community coalitions worked towards
accomplishing the objectives that are in the plan.
In January 2020, CHIP partners met to review accomplishments to date, and to update goals and
strategies that would continue to address the health priorities determined in 2018. The group was in
agreement that working towards eliminating disparities and inequities should be included in each CHIP
strategy moving forward.
In the months that followed, several events brought to the national spotlight concerns that the MAPP
process had already revealed. The coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, and has since taken its toll
on education, health, and jobs in our region, with people of color and those with limited income
especially impacted by the coronavirus. The pandemic confirmed the need to continue to address the
health priorities that are in the CHIP, including conditions that impact health, such as housing and
transportation; on chronic diseases that increase risk of severe illness from the virus, and to find ways to
create resilience in the midst of stress, job loss, and isolation. In late May, the death of George Floyd
and the Black Lives Matter movement brought attention to the systemic racism that continues to exist in
our communities, state, and country. In July, the City of Lima passed a resolution declaring Racism as a
Public Health Crisis. Our local health data affirm that much work needs to be done to reduce these
racial inequities. Throughout this time period, CHIP workgroups reviewed and revised the work plans
for 2020-2023.
What’s different in the 2020-2023 CHIP? While this CHIP continues to address the same health
priorities as those in the 2018-2020 plan, some of the strategies have been revised, and a few strategies
have been added. And a few strategies have had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Plan has also been updated to align with many of the 2020-2022 State Health Improvement Plan’s
priorities and indicators. Also new to this plan, a CHIP scorecard has been developed so that we can
monitor progress on the impact our work is having to improve health.
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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October 2020 is the start date of the implementation of this CHIP. It is a living document; while the
workplan is a blueprint for action, it will continue to be adjusted at least annually based on the
successes and/or lessons learned.
Allen County is fortunate to have a large group of dedicated community members who will continue to
oversee the implementation and evaluation of the CHIP until the next planning cycle commences in
2023.
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Allen County Community Health Improvement Plan 2020-2023
Work Plan Summary
Priority Area 1: Substance Use and Mental Health
To improve mental health and decrease substance use for youth and adults, the following objectives
are recommended:
1. Increase the number of students participating in after school programming.
2. Provide prevention and early intervention services to 85% of 3
rd
– 12
th
grade Allen County
students.
3. Increase by 20% the number of students and family members utilizing the Spartan Health Clinic
each year.
4. Begin a pilot Employee Assistance Program with a community navigator with at least 10 small
businesses, and once established, create a long-term sustainability plan.
5. Provide Mental Health First Aid training to employees at 15 unique sessions.
6. Reorganize the opioid action hub with scheduled meetings, engaged members, and action items
identified.
7. Reduce the number of overdose deaths by 5%.
8. Increase the usage of free mental health screening tools available on the WeCarePeople.org
website by 10% each year.
9. Provide at least 5 education sessions to key players re: the availability of Local Outreach of
Suicide Survivor (LOSS) Teams and Drug Overdose Survivor Support (DOSS) teams.
Priority Area 2: Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Behavior
To reduce chronic disease, and reduce harmful childhood conditions, the following objectives are
recommended.
To increase access to healthy food:
1. Establish a food pantry site in the 5
th
or 6
th
Ward of the City of Lima.
2. Pilot, implement, and sustain a Green Prescription program within the community that serves at
least 100 residents.
3. Increase the unique number of residents using SNAP/EBT at local farmer’s markets by 10% each
year, and increase the average annual sales produced by vendors at the Lima Farmer’s market
by 5% each year.
To increase active living:
4. Increase or enhance by 6 the number of policies, systems, or environmental changes to support
active transportation as recommended in the Allen County Active Transportation Plan.
To reduce tobacco use:
5. Provide local cessation services to at least 300 residents.
6. Increase by 3 the number of tobacco free city and county parks/public spaces.
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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7. Decrease the percentage of Allen County youth using vaping products by 2%.
To reduce harmful childhood conditions:
8. Increase the medication adherence of children diagnosed by asthma by 5%.
9. Increase the number of Allen County children ages 0-2 who are tested for toxic levels of lead by
5%.
10. Increase the number of children (Mercy and Lima Memorial physician practices) receiving at
least 1 annual well-child visit by 5%.
To create environments that support healthy living:
11. Increase by 25% the number of residents participating in Activated Challenges.
Priority Area 3: Maternal and Infant Health
1. Promote enrollment/referrals to Help Me Grow, WIC and home visiting by 3%.
2. Increase the number of women participating in the Embrace program.
3. Increase the number of families with access to safe sleeping arrangements through the Cribs for
Kids program by 3% each year.
4. Present training opportunities for our county OBGYN offices on implicit bias.
Priority Area 4: Housing and Public Transportation
To improve housing affordability and quality, the following objectives are recommended:
1. Implement 3 recommendations in the City of Lima’s plan to address community housing
concerns.
2. Provide lead hazard removal to 30 homes in the City of Lima.
3. Increase the number of affordable housing units available in Allen County by 50%
4. Create a data base on local rental properties and those of owners of each rental property (Lima
Housing Task Force).
To increase access to public transportation, the following objectives are recommended:
5. Increase the number of passengers able to use RTA’s services by 5%.
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Vision Statement
“A vibrant environment where health, safety, and overall wellness are
the priority and a place where we value our differences and diversity.”
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Introduction
In 2018, community partners in Allen County, Ohio, embarked on a process known as Mobilizing for
Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP); the first MAPP Process took place in 2013. The MAPP
framework includes four separate assessments that informed the development of the Community
Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). These assessments provided data on disease rates, quality of life
issues, morbidity, mortality, the effectiveness of the local health system, and community resources to
paint a picture of the health of Allen County. Following these assessments, as part of the MAPP process,
a group of community stakeholders convened to define a vision of health for Allen County, review the
assessment data, select health priorities based on the health data, and collectively create a plan of
action, known as the CHIP. The CHIP is comprehensive and long term, detailing action steps that will be
used by agencies, organizations, and individuals as they implement projects, programs, and policies in
Allen County.
This Addendum for 2020-2023 is still addressing the priorities identified through the MAPP Process. For
more information, please check the 2018-2020 Community Health Improvement Plan. Throughout
2020, workgroups have updated strategies.
The CHIP committee determined that the most pressing priority health outcomes in Allen County
continue to be:
Substance Use and Mental Health
Chronic Disease Prevention, including Harmful Childhood Conditions (new)
Maternal and Infant Health (workplan postponed due to pandemic)
In order to improve health in these areas, CHIP partners are in agreement that the following health
factors will be addressed:
Housing & Public Transportation
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Figure 1: CHIP Framework
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An overview of these priorities, including a summary of the Allen County goals and objectives, is located
in the next section of the CHIP.
Work Plan Updates
Work groups have updated work plans to address the approved health priorities over the next three
years. Work groups considered the following
when formulating those goals and objectives:
The Health Impact Pyramid: The Health
Impact Pyramid describes the effectiveness
of different types of public health
interventions. Interventions focusing on
socioeconomic factors, at the base of the
pyramid, have the greatest potential to
improve health. Although interventions at
the higher levels have less of an impact on
health, the likelihood of long-term success is
maximized when intervention occurs at all
levels.
Policy, System, and Environmental Changes: These are changes in laws, rules, and the environment that
impact the health of a community and change the context to make the healthy choice the default
Figure 2: Allen County CHIP alignment with state and national priorities.
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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choice. Policy, systems and environmental changes are sustainable and long lasting. In particular, work
groups considered policy changes that would most greatly impact vulnerable populations and address
the causes of higher risks on those populations.
Evidence Based Public Health Practices: These are tested programs, policies, and interventions that are
proven to be most effective in successfully changing behavior. They create sustainable changes to
improve health.
The following pages summarize the work plans for each of the priority areas. See Appendix E for the
complete work plans.
Priority 1: Substance Use & Mental Health
Substance Use, specifically opiate abuse, and Mental Health, specifically suicide, are major community
health issues in Allen County. The stigma associated with both mental health issues and substance use, a
lack of accountability to complete treatment, and high turnover among providers contribute to
underutilized resources and a treatment system that is not as effective as it could be. We want to see a
community where all residents can easily access behavioral health services. Community leaders are
engaged in prevention efforts and working together through the Allen County Opiate Action
Commission to address many of these issues. As early intervention is the best prevention, this CHIP will
focus on leveraging our existing community partnerships to improve access to mental health services for
youth, and increase substance use prevention efforts for youth in Allen County.
Why it’s important in Allen County:
Eight percent (8%) of all youth reported that someone had offered, sold, or given them an illegal
drug on school property*
Five percent (5%) of youth used medications that were not prescribed for them or took more
than prescribed to feel good or get high at some time in their lives*
Over one-quarter (27%) of youth reported they felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two
weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities*
Youth who experienced 3 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were more likely to
have used marijuana in the past 30 days compared to youth who did not experience any ACEs
(26% vs 5%); and were more likely to have seriously attempted suicide in the past 12 months
(33% vs 4%).
*Source: 2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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Priority 2: Chronic Disease Prevention
Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, are leading health issues
affecting Allen County. Despite there being many activities and coalition work currently happening
dedicated to prevention efforts, there is a lack of policies and stakeholder engagement that prohibits
the efforts from expanding. We would like to implement policy and environmental changes impacting
physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use among residents to make the healthy choice the easy choice
and to improve active transportation options, including public transportation services for Allen County
residents. We would like to capitalize on current efforts to further wellness and chronic disease
prevention efforts in our community, to institute sustainable policy changes, and to create lasting
changes in the lifestyles of Allen County residents.
Why it’s important in Allen County:
Eighteen percent (18%) of adults ate 0 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; 25% for African
American adults*
More than two-thirds (70%) of Allen County adults were either overweight (35%) or obese (35%)
by Body Mass Index (BMI)*
34% of residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure*
Almost one-fifth (18%) of Allen County adults were current smokers,* increasing to 30% of
adults with annual incomes less than $25,000
Vulnerable Population(s) Impacted by CHIP: Low-income residents (food insecure, reduced access to
transportation)
*Source: 2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
Priority 3: Maternal & Infant Health
Maternal and Infant Health is key to the overall health of a community. Allen County has a variety of
community resources available to help pregnant women and infants live the healthiest lives possible.
Despite these resources, too few pregnant women access early, consistent prenatal care and parenting
education. This has a multitude of implications, including increased risk of infant mortality. We want to
see healthy women delivering full term, healthy weight infants that thrive through their first birthday.
To this end, we will leverage resources to increase collaboration and improve linkages for needed care
and education.
Why it’s important in Allen County:
During their last pregnancy, Allen County women experienced the following:
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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o Got a prenatal appointment in the first 3 months (57%)*,
o Took a multi-vitamin with folic acid during pregnancy (49%)*,
o Received WIC benefits (19%)*,
o Smoked cigarettes (10%)*,
o Used opioids (1%)*
Only 4% of African American infants slept in a crib or bassinette without bumper pads, blankets
or stuffed animals, compared to 60% of infants overall.
*Source: 2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
Priority 4: Housing & Public Transportation
Substandard housing and reduced access to public transportation are major public health issues in Allen
County. Poor housing conditions are associated with many health problems, including asthma, lead
poisoning, and injury; reduced access to public transportation affects quality of life, including the ability
to access jobs, education, and medical care. We want to promote safe, accessible, appropriate, and
affordable housing to sustain healthy and vibrant residents and neighborhoods, and to assure that
people needing public transportation services have access to them. To this end, we will capitalize on
community organizations and partnerships to increase the community’s investment in housing stock and
public transportation.
Why it’s important in Allen County:
The Community Themes and Strengths Assessment noted that poor quality housing was
considered a major health issue, and that complex regulatory systems prevent significant action
on improving housing.
15% of households reported having at least one of the following problems: overcrowding, high
housing costs, or lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities
African American adults were more likely to have spent 50% or more of their household income
on housing (45% compared to 14% of the rest of Allen County).
African American adults were more likely to have transportation issues (37% compared to 6% of
the rest of the county).
*Source: 2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
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Next Steps and Call to Action
ACPH and AAC will continue to monitor the CHIP on a regular basis over the next three years. The work
plans located in Appendix E includes the agencies and individuals responsible for implementing each of
the objectives outlined in this CHIP. AAC will collect quarterly updates from each responsible party in
order to gauge the progress of the CHIP. Goals and objectives will be monitored to assure that
timeframe targets are being met. To allow the CHIP to evolve with the community, goals and objectives
will be adjusted or amended if needed. AAC will publicly release an annual update, highlighting the
success of the CHIP and providing any information about major changes that have been made.
This CHIP represents the work of a dedicated group of community representatives. If you or your agency
are interested in becoming involved with CHIP initiatives and community health improvement planning
in Allen County, please contact:
Josh Unterbrink, Activate Allen County
junterbrink@activateallentcounty.com
Kayla Monfort, Activate Allen County
kmonfort@activateallencounty.com
Monica Harnish, Allen County Public Health
mharnish@allenhealthdept.org
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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Appendix A: List of Key Terms
AAC – Activate Allen County
ACPH – Allen County Public Health
CHA – Community Health Assessment; the collection, analysis, and distribution of information on the
health status and health needs of the community, including statistics on health status, community
health needs/gaps/problems, and assets.
CHIP – Community Health Improvement Plan; a long-term and systematic plan to address health
priorities that were drafted as a result of the CHA.
MAPP – Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships; a community-driven strategic
planning process for improving community health.
EBPHP – Evidence Based Public Health Practice; the implementation, and evaluation of effective
programs and policies in public health through application of principles of scientific reasoning, including
systematic uses of data and information systems, and appropriate use of behavioral science theory and
program planning models.
HIP – Health Impact Pyramid; An organization of health interventions that places greater public value
on interventions that impact socioeconomic factors, and less public value on individual education.
HiAP – Health in All Policies; a collaborative approach to improving the health of a community by
incorporating health, sustainability, and equity considerations into decision-making across sectors and
policy areas.
HP2020 – Healthy People 2020; the federal government’s prevention agenda that is updated every 10
years.
National Prevention Strategy – From the office of the Surgeon General, lays out a prevention-oriented
society where communities work together to achieve better health for all Americans.
ODH – Ohio Department of Health
OSU CPHP – The Ohio State University Center for Public Health Practice
SHIP – State Health Improvement Plan; a CHIP completed at the State level.
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Appendix B: List of Community Partners
John Snyder
Executive Director, Activate
Allen County; Professor,
School of Health and Rehab.
Sciences, College of Medicine,
OSU Lima
Activate Allen County
Josh Unterbrink
Coordinator
Activate Allen County
Kayla Monfort
Coordinator
Activate Allen County
Beth Siebert
County Commissioner
Allen County Commissioners
Kathy Luhn
Health Commissioner
Allen County Public Health
Deb Roberts
Director of Nursing
Allen County Public Health
Brian Nartker
Director of Environmental
Health
Allen County Public Health
Monica Harnish
Director, Health Planning
Services; Accreditation
Coordinator
Allen County Public Health
Shelly Miller
Coordinator, Creating Healthy
Communities Program
Allen County Public Health
Tami Gough
Director, Prevention and
Health Promotion Services
Allen County Public Health
Becky Brooks
Epidemiologist
Allen County Public Health
Keisha Drake
Executive Director
Bradfield Community Center
David Berger
Mayor
City of Lima
Sharetta Smith
Chief of Staff
City of Lima
Susan Crotty
Director, Community
Development
City of Lima
Health Partners link?
Chief Population Health
Officer
Health Partners of Western
Ohio
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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Jed Metzger
President
Lima Allen County Chamber of
Commerce
Shane Coleman
Executive Director
Lima Allen County Regional
Planning Commission
Jeff Utz
Director, Lima Memorial
Physicians
Lima Memorial Health Systems
Tammie Colon
Executive Director
Mental Health and Recovery
Services Board of Allen,
Auglaize and Hardin Counties
Amy Marcum
Chief Mission Officer, Great
Lakes Group
Mercy Health
Tyler Smith
Manager, Community Health
Mercy Health, St. Rita’s
Medical Center
Derek Stemen
President
United Way of Greater Lima
Nell Lester
Coordinator
West Central Ohio Health
Ministries Program
Robin Johnson
Executive Director
West Central Ohio Regional
Healthcare Alliance
Jane Wood
President
Bluffton University
Jackie Fox
CEO
West Ohio Community Action
Partnership
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Appendix E: Work Plans
Appendix E: Work Plans
Priority # 1: Substance Use/Mental Health
Substance Use, specifically opioid abuse, and Mental Health, specifically suicide, are major
community health issues in Allen County. The stigma associated with both mental health issues and
substance use, a lack of accountability to complete treatment, and high turnover among providers
contribute to underutilized resources and a treatment system that is not as effective as it could be.
We want to see a community where all residents can easily access behavioral health services.
Community leaders are engaged in prevention efforts and working together through the Allen
County Opioid Action Commission to address many of these issues. As primary intervention is the
best prevention, this CHIP will focus on leveraging our existing community partnerships to improve
access to mental health services for youth, and increase substance use prevention efforts for youth
in Allen County.
Health Outcome
Measures
Number of adult suicide /100,000* (State Health Improvement Plan
Indicator)
Unintentional drug overdose deaths/100,000* (SHIP Indicator)
Allen County Youth who felt sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 or
more weeks in a row (6
th
-12
th
)**- 27%
Allen County Youth who have attempted suicide in the last year (6
th
-
12
th
)**- 7%
Allen County Youth who seriously considered attempting suicide in
the last year (6
th
-12
th
)**- 15%
*ODH Data Warehouse
**2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
Plan for learning from
those in priority
communities
Community Conversations
Objectives that address
policy change
Drug Free Workplace Policies, EAP Programs, Second Chance
Policy/Programs
Alignment with the State
Health Improvement Plan
(2020-2022)
Mental Health and Addiction; Suicide, Drug dependency/abuse
Alignment with National
Priorities
National Prevention Strategy: Preventing Drug Abuse and Excessive
Alcohol Use; Mental and Emotional Well-being
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Goal 1.1: Increase mental health wellness and decrease substance use among middle and high
school students in Allen County schools
Key Measure: Graduation rates
Baseline: 85% - Ohio Department of Education, 2017-2018
Chronic Absenteeism
Partners
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, City of Lima, Health
Partners of Western Ohio, PASS
Priority population group
for advancing health
equity
Youth
Evidence Based Strategy,
source
PASS programs are evidenced based
After school programs are evidenced based
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.1.1: By September 2023, increase
the number of students participating
(attending 75% of days) in after-school
programing by 10% each year.
Baseline: 4526
Target:
2021- 50 29
2022- 55 32
2023- 61 35
Start: Sept
2020
End: Sept 2023
Sharetta
Smith
City of Lima
Youth
Commission
Action Steps:
1. Work with the Youth Commission on program details, locations and curriculum
2. Enroll students in the program
3. Evaluate the program
4. Modify and expand after school programming as able
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The Youth Commission is implementing ECCO, a pilot after-school program.
The Commission has chosen to work with one middle school focusing on
physical activity, arts and music and behavioral health. Baseline – 26
students , 2020-2021 school year – 34 students
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.1.2: By September 2023, provide
prevention and early intervention services to -
85% of 3
rd
-12
th
grade Allen County students.
Baseline: 0%
Target: 85%
Start: January
2021
End:
September
2023
Tammie
Colon,
MHRSB
Rick
Skilliter,
PASS
Action Steps:
1. Identify tools to use in both prevention and intervention
2. Approach curriculum committee to program usage
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3. Work with school district to plan both in person and virtual education sessions using
approved resources and programs
4. Expand to other Allen County school districts
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
50% of students have been reached
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.1.3: By September 2023, increase
the number of students and family members
utilizing the Spartan Health Clinic by 20% each
year.
Baseline: 1110
students
145 family
members; 1259
total
Target:
2021 +249
2022 +298
2023 +358
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
Health
Partners
of
Western
Ohio
Action Steps:
1. Promote the clinic to students and family members
2. Promote specific services to targeted populations
3. Explore the need for a media campaign
4. Track usage of both students and family members in the clinic
5. Evaluate the success of the clinic and make modifications as needed
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
2020-2021 School year – 818 students/635 family members, 1453 total -
15% increase
Goal 1.2: Increase access to behavioral health services within our workforce.
Key Measure: Adult Stress/Anxiety/Depression Rates
Baseline: Allen County adults indicated the following caused them anxiety, stress or depression:
Job stress (33%),
Other sources of stress include financial stress (31%), death of close family member or friend
(20%), marital/dating relationship (17%), poverty/no money (14%), sick family member
(11%), other stress at home (11%), fighting at home (8%), family member with mental illness
(8%), unemployment (6%), caring for a parent (6%), divorce/separation (4%), not feeling
safe in the community (3%), not feeling safe at home (2%), not having enough to eat (2%),
not having a place to live (1%), sexual orientation (1%), and other causes (12%).
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On a typical day, adults rated their stress level as very low (26%), low (29%), moderate
(36%), high (8%), and very high (1%).
Partners
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Chamber of Commerce,
Activate Allen County, PASS, Working Partners
Priority population group
for advancing health
equity
Small Businesses, Underinsured population
Evidence Based Strategies,
source
EAP program, workplace navigation systems
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.2.1: By September 2021, begin a
pilot of an Employee Assistance Program with a
community navigator included with at least 10
small businesses.
Baseline: 0
program
Target: 1 program
Total Employees:
# of workplaces:
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2021
MHRSB
AAC
Action Steps:
1. Convene a group with partners and stakeholders to discuss the pilot and how to best
work together (this includes: BWC, MHRSB, Chamber, AAC, Working Partners, ENI)
2. Determine which EAP to partner with
3. Compile a list of potential small business partners
4. Complete package materials and marketing plan and approach for businesses
5. Market the EAP/Navigator program to target workplaces
6. Collect data and monitor successes
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The EAP partner has been determined. A navigator has been hired. 2 small
businesses / 77 employees are currently being served.
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.2.2: By September 2023, create a
long-term sustainability plan for the EAP with a
Community Navigator program.
Baseline: 0 plan
Target: 1 plan
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
MHRSB
AAC
Action Steps:
1. Complete steps listed in previous goal
2. Convene stakeholder group to discuss long term feasibility
3. Work with businesses and EAP to determine price point and data to share with the
businesses
4. Determine how workplaces can make the pilot program fit into their long term business
plan
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5. Collect data and monitor successes
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates, as 1.2.1 is still in process.
Objective 1.2.3: By September 2023, provide
Mental Health First Aid training to employees at
15 unique sessions.
Baseline: 0
Target: 15
Number of Allen
County employees
served:
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
MHRSB
PASS
Action Steps:
1. Create target list of high-risk workplaces
2. Contact workplaces concerning the training
3. Schedule trainings to fit workplace needs
4. Promote trainings and register participants
5. Evaluate the program and note successes
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
To date, seven Mental Health First Aid training sessions have been held.
Goal 1.3: Decrease suicide and overdose deaths among Allen County residents
Partners
Mental Health Recovery Services Board, City of Lima, Lima Memorial
Health System, Mercy Health
Priority population
group for advancing
health equity
Adults 25-34 years old
Evidence Based
Strategies, source
Mental Health Screening tools and questions
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.3.1: By September 2021, re-
organize the opioid action hub with scheduled
Baseline: Stagnant
committee
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2021
MHRSB
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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meetings, engaged members and action items
identified.
Target: Committee
relaunched
Action Steps:
1. Re-engage past members and set initial meeting date
2. Re-establish the commission as a member committee of Activate Allen County
3. Set regular meetings, at least quarterly
4. Determine the group’s mission, goals and action items needed to reach goals
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The Opiate Commission was reunited in May 2021.
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.3.2: By September 2023, decrease
the number of drug overdose deaths* by 5%.
*number of deaths due to unintentional drug
overdose per 100,000
Baseline (2018):
15
2019 – 12
2020 - 34
Target:
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Action steps:
1. Determine baseline.
2. Opioid Action Commission will create strategy steps.
3. Increase partners who distribute Narcan in the community
4. Track overdose death rate in the county.
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
Overdose deaths in Allen County increased to 34 in 2020.
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.3.3: By September 2023, increase
the usage of free Mental Health Screening Tools
on the WeCarePeople.org website by 10% each
year.
Baseline: 40
329 from 3/1/19
– 2/29/20
Target:
2021- 44 362
2022- 50 398
2023- 60 438
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
MHRSB
Action Steps:
1. Create a promotion/marketing plan
2. Educate the community on the availability of the tool
3. Evaluate and record usage
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Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
643 screenings from 3/1/20- 3/23/21 51% increase from the year
prior
Demographic Information:
89% of those who completed a screening were white
83% of those who completed a screening were female
68% of those who completed a screening were between the
ages of 18-44
Majority have never been treated/not in treatment
Majority report they will seek help
Wide Range Screen is most popular, anxiety is second and
depression is the third most use screening tool
Highest number of screenings per month were completed in May
(158) and July (166) of last year (seem to correlate with a
popular social media post/news report)
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
Objective 1.3.4: By September 2023, provide at
least 5 education sessions to key players around
the availability of the LOSS and DOSS teams in
the community along with referral information.
Baseline: 0
Target: 5
LOSS Referrals:
DOSS Referrals:
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
MHRSB
PASS
City of
Lima
Action Steps:
1. Determine list of key players/stakeholders in which education is needed
2. Partner with the City of Lima and local hospitals and agencies to schedule education
sessions
3. Work with law enforcement and necessary partners to increase referrals
4. Conduct scheduled education sessions and provide materials on the program and how
to engage the teams with a referral
5. Evaluate and record usage of both teams and education sessions completed
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
One educational session has been held regarding the availability of LOSS and
DOSS teams.
Priority # 2: Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, are leading
health issues affecting Allen County. Despite there being many activities and coalition work
currently happening dedicated to prevention efforts, there is a lack of policies and stakeholder
engagement that prohibits the efforts expanding. We would like to implement policy and
environmental changes impacting physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use among residents to
make the healthy choice the easy choice and to improve active transportation, including public
transportation, options among Allen County residents. We would like to capitalize on current efforts
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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to further wellness and chronic disease prevention efforts in our community to institute sustainable
policy changes to creating lasting changes in the lifestyles of Allen County residents.
Health Outcome Measures
Baseline measures:
Heart Disease – age-adjusted death rate, adults* (SHIP Indicator)
Male Heart Disease – age adjusted death rate* (SHIP
Indicator)
Minority Death Rate
Diabetes - percent of adults diagnosed with diabetes**- (SHIP
Indicator) 13%, Diabetes – adults diagnosed with diabetes and less
than $25,000 annual income** – 19%
Adults obese**- 35%
Adults diagnosed with high blood pressure**- 34%
Adults who have had a heart attack**- 5%
*ODH Data Warehouse
**2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment
Plan for learning from
those in priority
community
Community Conversations
Farmers’ Market survey
Resident input for food pantry
Objectives that address
policy change
Tobacco Free Parks
Safe Routes to School
Alignment with the State
Health Improvement Plan
(2020-2023)
Strategies that support fruit and vegetable initiatives
Active transportation and land use policies (built environment
changes) Smoke free policies, tobacco cessation access
Alignment with National
Priorities
Healthy People 2030 – heart disease and stroke, health behaviors
Goal 2.1: Improve food equity and access to healthy foods
Key Measures:
Adults reporting eating less than 1 vegetable serving per day- 53%,
Adults reporting no fruit consumption in past 7 days- 18%, up to 25% of African Americans
Youth reporting no fruit consumption in the past 7 days (SHIP)
Youth reporting no vegetable consumption in the past 7 days (SHIP)
Youth reporting no vegetable or fruit consumption in the last 7 days (6
th
-12
th
)- 7% (2017 CHA)
(2017 Allen County Community Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment)
Partners
Allen County Public Health, Activate Allen County, Mercy Health, Lima
Memorial Health System, West Ohio Food Bank, Lima/Allen County
Chamber of Commerce, Allen Bike and Pedestrian Task Force, City of
Lima
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Low Income, Food Insecure (Hunger Vital Signs Screening)
Evidence Based Strategies
Green Prescriptions, Produce Perks
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Objective 2.1.1:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, identify a
location and implement a food
pantry site in the 5
th
or 6
th
Ward of
the City of Lima.
Baseline: No pantry
available
Goal: 1 pantry open
Start: January
2021
End: September
2023
Shelly Miller,
Allen County
Public Health
Action Steps:
1. Meet with stakeholders
2. Convene a group of residents through a neighborhood association or another source
3. Determine possible sites for the pantry
4. Develop protocols for stocking and distribution of food items
5. Marketing
6. Grand Opening
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
This project has been placed on hold.
Objective 2.1.2:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, implement,
pilot and sustain a Green
Prescription program within the
community that serves at least 100
residents.
Baseline: 0 Green Rx
program
Goal: 1 Green Rx program
Community Residents
Served:
Start: Sept 2020
End: Sept 2023
Mercy
Health,
Activate Allen
County, West
Ohio Food
Bank
Action Steps:
1. Meet with Mercy Health Family Medicine interns to facilitate program as a part of their
work.
2. Consider how to pilot program
3. Determine location for pilot program
4. Coordinate with the West Ohio Food Bank for referrals
5. Evaluate for success
6. Modify and expand program throughout Mercy and community as needed and able
7. Consider the long-term sustainability of the Green Rx program
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The program is running as a pilot through the Mercy Health Family Resident
Clinic. Patients are screened using a food insecurity tool, and if positive, are
enrolled in the Green Prescription Program. The program is currently in the
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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first phase of a three-phased program. To date, 20 residents have been
served.
Objective 2.1.3:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
unique number of residents using
SNAP/EBT at local farmer’s
markets by 10% each year.
Baseline:
40 residents
Goal:
2021- 44 residents
2022- 49 residents
2023- 55 residents
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Jennifer
Fickle,
Downtown
Lima
Farmers’
Market
Chamber of
Commerce
Action Steps:
1. Track number of people using this service each week and record
2. Promote SNAP/EBT availability to all community residents and local agencies
3. Evaluate for success
4. Recruit other FMs in Allen County to provide SNAP/EBT at their markets
5. Track number of community members using SNAP/EBT at county markets each season
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
To date, 13 residents have been served.
Objective 2.1.4:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
average annual sales produced by
the vendors at the Downtown
Lima Farmer’s Market by 5% each
year.
Baseline: TBD
Goal: (Determined by
Baseline)
2021:
2022:
2023:
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Jennifer
Fickle,
Downtown
Lima
Farmers’
Market
Chamber of
Commerce
Action Steps:
1. Obtain baseline at the end of the 2020 season
2. Determine avenues to achieve higher attendance and sales
3. Contact agencies to discuss the importance of the market
4. Determine a strategy to increase farmers market participation within the agency/referrals
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5. Adjust media/marketing strategy as needed throughout the community
6. Track sales at the market
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates to date.
Goal 2.2: Increase active transportation and active living
Outcome measure: % of adults, 18 and older, who reported no leisure time activity during the last
30 days (SHIP)
Baseline: 26% (2017)
Source: 2017 Allen County Community Health Risk and Community Assessment
Partners
Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force including:
Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission, Johnny Appleseed
Park District, City of Lima, Lima Literacy Council, Bluffton Pathways
Board, Wheelhouse Bicycle Ministry, neighborhood associations,
interested community members
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Low income and/or individuals with disabilities
Evidence Based Strategies,
and source
Transportation system interventions to increase street connectivity,
sidewalk and trail infrastructure, bicycle infrastructure, or public
transit infrastructure and access – The Community Guide
Safe Routes to School – CDC Hi5
Complete Streets - Community Preventive Services Task Force
Objective 2.2.1:
Measures
Timeframe
Lead
By June 30, 2023, increase or
enhance by 6 the number of
policies, systems, or
environmental changes to support
active transportation as
recommended in the Allen County
Active Transportation Plan.
Goals:
Policy Changes
At least 2 policies
adopted supporting
active transportation
(e.g. complete streets,
adopted ADA transition
plans)
Systems Changes
At least 1 systems
change implemented
(e.g. system for
updating and sharing
county-wide bike and
pedestrian map)
2 bike friendly
communities
Environmental Changes
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Allen County
Bike and
Pedestrian
Task Force
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1.5 miles of pedestrian
infrastructure added or
improved (wider
sidewalks)
3 miles of bicycle
infrastructure added
3 other infrastructure
improvements (bike
racks, bump outs )
Action Steps:
1. Achieve Bike Friendly Community designations
Apply for the Bike Friendly Community Award (Lima and Bluffton)
2. Engineering - Create Safe and Convenient Places to Walk, Ride and Park
a. Increase the number of schools that implement a Safe Routes to School Program School
Travel Plan. Baseline: 6; Target 9
b. Increase pedestrian infrastructure by .5 miles per year, or 1.5 miles
c. Increase bicycle infrastructure by 1 mile per year
d. Increase other bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements by at least 10 (such as
bike racks)
e. Adopt one new Complete Streets policy in an Allen County jurisdiction
f. Implement a bike or pedestrian demonstration project
3. Encouragement – Create a Strong Culture that Welcomes and Celebrates Walking and Biking
a. Promote the Ride with the Ranger program
b. Promote other community programs that encourage walking and/or biking
4. Education
a. At least annually, update and share an online and/or print bike and pedestrian map for
Allen County
5. Evaluation
a. At least annually, conduct bike and pedestrian counts
b. Annually, conduct a road safety audit in a bike or pedestrian high crash area
6. Equity: Create a more accessible community through the development of interconnected
pedestrian and bicycle facilities
a. ADA Transition Plan adoption or ADA accessibility
7. Engagement
a. Develop a process to obtain feedback and/or representation from priority communities
b. Annual, provide a report on progress to the community
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The City of Lima achieved a Bronze Bike Friendly Community Designation
in November, 2020. This is the second 4-year designation.
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The Bike and Pedestrian Map has been updated by the Regional Planning
Commission, and has been shared with the Bike and Pedestrian Task
Force
Paved pathways have been added at the following locations:
Schoonover Park; as part of the Delphos Fifth Street Paving Project, a 5-
foot wide bike path and 3 foot buffer, as well as with sidewalk
repair/new sidewalk. Additional improvements include installed bike
racks and crosswalk markings in Bluffton.
The Ride with the Ranger program was held monthly from April -
September 2021; and a Bike Rodeo was held in Lima September 2021
Goal 2.3: Reduce tobacco use in Allen County
Key Measure(s): Adult tobacco use, youth exposed to second hand smoke, low income adults who
smoke, e-cigarette use:
Adult smoking – percent of adults, ages 18 and older that are current smokers- 18% (SHIP)
Youth who smoked e-cigarettes in the past year (2017) – 9%
Youth exposed to second hand smoke- 56%,
Adults who smoke with income over $25,000 annually- 14%,
Adult who smoke with income less than $25,000 annually- 30%
(all measures based on 2017 Allen County Community Health Assessment)
Future health assessments will measure high school students who have used cigarettes, smokeless
tobacco cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, bidis, e-cigarettes, or other vaping products during the past 30
days- (SHIP indicator)
Partners
Mercy Health, Activate Allen County Executive Council, City of Lima, Lima
Memorial Health System, WOCAP, Health Partners of Western Ohio, Allen
County Public Health, Ohio Northern University, PASS
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Children/Youth
Adults with a focus on those living in lower income due to large number of
smokers with an income less than $25,000
Evidence Based Strategies
and source
Cessation service program model, Tobacco Policy creation
Objective 2.3.1:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, provide local
cessation services to at least 300
residents.
Baseline: 0
residents
Goal: 300
Quit Rate for 3
months:
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Mercy Health
Activate Allen
County
Ohio Northern
University
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Quite Rate for 6
months:
Action Steps:
1. Form a partner group to monitor and evaluate the program
2. Promote tobacco cessation program to the community
3. Educate families around the harm to children from second hand smoke exposure and refer them
to the program
4. Evaluate program for success based on quit rates, physician referrals, etc.
5. Determine need for program expansion
6. Plan for long term sustainability and needs of the program
Date
Update
September
2021
Cessation services have been provided to 63 residents to date.
Objective 2.3.2:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
number of tobacco free city and county
parks and public spaces by 3 unique
areas.
Baseline: 0
Target: 3
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Activate Allen
County Executive
Council
City of Lima
Action Steps:
1. Research and develop a plan to approach stakeholders and council members concerning tobacco
free parks and public spaces
2. Schedule meetings with appropriate officials (including park officials) to discuss policy
3. Establish a plan to roll out tobacco free parks and public spaces
4. Encourage Activate Allen County Executive Council to advocate for tobacco free parks
5. Educate community residents concerning tobacco free parks and public spaces
6. Promote and celebrate successes of all policy change around tobacco free parks and public spaces
Objective 2.3.3:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, decrease the
number of Allen County youth using
vaping products by 2%.
Baseline: 9%
Target: 7%
Number of
students
participating in the
I Mind Program:
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
PASS
Mercy Health
Action Steps:
1. Determine groups providing education to at risk youth around vaping risks
2. Track student participation in above programs
3. Conduct social media and other community wide campaigns aimed to decrease vaping use
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4. Evaluate for success
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Goal 2.4: Reduce harmful childhood conditions
Key Measure(s):
Medication adherence of children ages 5-17 diagnosed with asthma
Children ages 0-2 who are tested for toxic levels of lead
Children ages 0-15 months receiving at least 1 well child visit
Partners
Mercy Health, Activate Allen County Executive Council, City of Lima, Lima
Memorial Health System, WOCAP, Health Partners of Western Ohio, Allen
County Public Health, Ohio Northern University, PASS
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Youth
Evidence Based Strategies
and source
Annual well-checks increase youth outcomes, Early lead testing
Objective 2.4.1:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
medication adherence of children ages
5-17 diagnosed with asthma by 5%
Baseline: 71%
Target:
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Lima Memorial
Health System
Mercy Health
WOCAP Head
start
Action Steps:
1. Determine baseline
2. Determine an appropriate goal for September 2023
3. Convene a group of stakeholders to form a community action plan to meet goal
4. Execute plan
5. Track data and evaluate for success
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Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Objective 2.4.2
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
number of Allen County children
younger than age 2 who are tested for
toxic levels of lead by 5%
Baseline: 211
(2020 year to date)
Goal: TBD
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
LMH
Mercy Health
Health Partners
WOCAP Head
Start
Action Steps:
1.
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Objective 2.4.3
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the
number of Allen County children 15
months and younger receiving at least
1 well-child visit at Mercy and Lima
Memorial’s physician practices by 5%
Baseline: LMH –
58%
Mercy Health St.
Rita’s -
Goal: LMH – 63%
Mercy Health St.
Rita’s -
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
LMH
Mercy Health
Health Partners
Action Steps:
1.
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Increase the number of residents receiving care and treatment as part of the Hep C collaboration ??
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Goal 2.5: Chronic Disease Cross Cutting
Key Measure(s): Activate Allen County program participation
Adults that are obese- 35%
Adults diagnosed with high blood pressure- 34%
Adults that have had a heart attack- 5%
(2017 Allen County Community Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment)
Partners
Activate Allen County
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Youth, low income
Evidence Based
Strategies
Policy change within Activated Challenges
Objective 2.5.1
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase by 25% the
number of residents participating in Activated
Challenges
Baseline:
27 workplaces,
17 schools,
3 neighborhoods
Target: 58 total
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Activate Allen
County
Action Steps:
Activated Business Challenge
1. Continue to recruit workplaces to join the challenge with the assistance of the Workplace Wellness
Collaborative
2. Assess workplace applications and provide technical assistance for improvement
3. Celebrate successes of new workplaces joining the challenge with twice a year ceremony
4. Evaluate and modify challenge as needed to meet the needs of the community and employers
Activated School Challenge
1. Recruit schools to participate in the challenge
2. Provide technical assistance for schools to create feasible action plans
3. Evaluate plans for funding with established core group, including St. Rita's as the funder
4. Implement approved plans at schools
5. Celebrate successes
6. Evaluate and modify challenge as needed to meet the needs of funders and schools
Activated Childcare Challenge
1. Create application and guidelines for the challenged based off of current Activated School
Challenge, previous childcare challenge and evidenced based resources
2. Recruit childcare facilities to apply
3. Provide technical assistance for childcare facilities to create feasible action plans
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4. Evaluate plans for funding with established core group, including Paramount as the funder
5. Celebrate successes
6. Evaluate and modify challenge as needed to meet the needs of funders and childcare facilities
Activated Neighborhood Challenge
1. Create application and guidelines for the challenged based off of evidenced based resources,
model communities and local needs
2. Recruit neighborhood partners/residents to apply
3. Provide technical assistance for neighborhoods to create feasible action plans
4. Evaluate plans for funding with established core group, including Paramount as the funder and
LACNIP as a main partner in monitoring projects
5. Celebrate successes
6. Evaluate and modify challenge as needed to meet the needs of funders and community residents
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
12 additional projects have been completed (59 total).
Priority # 3: Maternal and Infant Health is key to the overall health of a community. Allen County has a
variety of community resources available to help pregnant women and infants live the healthiest lives
possible. This has a multitude of implications, including increased risk of infant mortality. We want to see
healthy women delivering full term, healthy weight infants that thrive to their first birthday. To this end,
we will leverage resources to increase collaboration and improve linkages between women and infants
and needed care and education.
Health Outcome
Measures
Preterm birth (SHIP Indicator)
Infant mortality (SHIP Indicator)
Infant mortality black (SHIP Indicator)
Source: Ohio Public Health Data Warehouse
Plan for learning from
those in priority
community
Objective 3.4 will include perspectives from people from racial and ethnic
minority groups
Objectives that address
policy change
N/A
Alignment with the
State Health
Improvement Plan
(2020-2022)
Maternal and Infant Health
Early childhood home visiting programs
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Alignment with National
Priorities
Healthy People 2020: Maternal and Infant Health (MICH-1, MICH-10)
Goal 3.1 Increase referrals to local programs that support maternal and infant health.
Objective 3.1.1
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase by 3% the
number of referrals to the following programs:
Help Me Grow, WIC, and home visiting.
Baseline: TBD
Start: June 2021
End: Sept. 2023
Help Me Grow
WIC
Home Visiting
Program
Status:
Date
Update
August
2021
This project at the beginning stages.
Goal 3.2 Increase the number of mothers with addiction participating in the Embrace program.
Objective 3.2.1
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the number of
women who have participated in the Embrace
program to 55.
Baseline: 0
Goal: 55
Start: June 2021
End: Sept. 2023
Mercy Health
Coleman
Status:
Date
Update
August
2021
Moms served between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 = 31.
Goal 3.3 Increase the number of families with access to safe sleeping arrangements
Objective 3.3.1
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the number of
families with access to safe sleeping
arrangements through the Cribs for Kids
program by 3% each year.
Baseline: 167
(2019)
Goal: 182
Start: June 2021
End: Sept. 2023
Allen County
Public Health
Status:
Date
Update
August
2021
The Cribs for Kids program provides safe sleep education and a safe sleep kit for
eligible families. 196 cribs were distributed in 2020, and 93 were distributed
from Jan – August 26, 2021.
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Goal 3.4 Present trainings for OBGYN offices on implicit bias
Objective 3.4.1
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, present at least 2trainings
on implicit bias to OB/GYN offices.
Baseline: 0
Goal: 2
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
This project was established in June 2021 and is at the beginning stages.
Priority # 4: Housing and Public Transportation
Substandard housing is a major public health issue in Allen County. Poor housing conditions are
associated with many health problems, including asthma, lead poisoning, and injury. We want to
promote safe, accessible, appropriate, and affordable housing to sustain healthy and vibrant
residents and neighborhoods. To this end, we will capitalize on community organizations and
partnerships to increase the community’s investment in housing stock.
Access to public transportation is a public health issue in Allen County. Reduced access to public
transportation affects quality of life, including the ability to access jobs, education, and medical
care. We want to assure that people needing public transportation services have access to them. To
this end, we will capitalize on community organizations and partnerships to increase the
community’s investment in public transportation
Health Outcome
Indicator
Chronic Absenteeism
Along with key measures listed below, Activate Allen County will begin
tracking Chronic Absenteeism: The percent of students, grades K-12,
who are absent 2 days per month for 9 months. This is a cross-cutting
indicator that is influenced by many factors in all priority areas, including
mental health, asthma management (chronic disease), and housing.
Chronic absenteeism can hinder academic success and is an early
warning sign of dropout from high school. Lower educational
attainment is linked to many negative health outcomes, including
diabetes, depression, and overall health status.
In 2019, the percentage of children in Allen County who were chronically
absent were:
Overall – 9.0%
Black – 28.8%
Hispanic – 18.6%
Children with disabilities – 22.8%
Economically disadvantaged – 21.7%
ALLEN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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Plan for learning from
those in priority
community
Community Conversations, Community Forums and Listening Sessions
Objectives that address
policy change
Housing Plan/Recommendations has some areas that address policy
change
Alignment with the State
Health Improvement
Plan (2020-2022)
SHIP: Housing affordability and quality
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
The SHIP notes that factors such as Public Transportation, health
behaviors, and access to healthcare are all factors that influence health
Alignment with National
Priorities
HUD Strategic Plan (2018-2022): Remove Lead-based paint hazards and
other health risks from homes
Access to Public Transportation
Goal 4.1: Improve housing affordability and quality
Key Measure(s): Number of affordable and available units per 100 renters with incomes below 50%
of area median income, as compiled by OHFA –68 units (2017) (SHIP Indicator)
Partners
City of Lima, Housing Consortium, WOCAP, Mercy Health, Allen
County Public Health, Activate Allen County, WCRQRH
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Low-Income, Homeless/Home Insecure
Evidence Based Strategies
Removal of lead-based paint hazards
Objective 4.1.1:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, implement 3
recommendations in the City of Lima’s plan
addressing community housing concerns.
Baseline: 0
recommendations
implemented
Target: 3
recommendations
implemented
Start: Jan 2021
End:
September
2023
City of Lima
Housing
Consortium
Action Steps:
1. Review all recommendations that were provided to the City of Lima around housing
(available on the City’s website)
2. Convene a group to review feasibility and impact of the recommendations (consider
Housing Consortium or Housing Consortium steering committee)
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PAGE 39 OF 41
3. Rank recommendations based on feasibility, community readiness, city’s 5-year plan and
impact
4. Complete plan of action to work on and complete 3 recommendations
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
The Lima Housing Task Force has been convened. The group will decide on
the top 10 recommendations from the 22 provided from a third party report.
Subcommittees will be established and report on how to move forward on
accomplishing the recommendations.
Objective 4.1.2:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, provide lead hazard
removal to 30 homes in the City of Lima.
Baseline: 0
Target: 30
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
City of Lima
WOCAP
Action Steps:
1. Determine homes that will be provided this service based on the timeline and funds
available
2. Work with partners to complete the lead hazard removal and document progress
3. Tell the story of this work to the community through media partners and via the City of
Lima’s plan of communication
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Objective 4.1.3
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the number of
affordable housing units available in Allen
County by 50%.
Baseline: 178
units
Target: 267
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
WOCAP
Lima
Housing
Task Force
Action Steps:
1. Determine plan for affordable housing builds into the future
2. Track number of units being built
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
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PAGE 40 OF 41
Objective 4.1.4
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, the Lima Housing Task
Force will create a data base on local rental
properties and those owners of each rental
property.
Baseline: No data
base/ tracking
system
Target: 1
database
Start: Jan 2021
End: Sept 2023
Lima
Housing
Task Force
City of Lima
Action Steps:
1. Bring task force members together
2. Determine how to go about creating a database system
3. Work with tenants and community partners to create a tracking system
4. Determine what other work that the Lima Housing Task Force should address in the coming
months and years
Status:
Date
Update
September
2021
No updates reported.
Goal 4.2 : Increase access to public transportation
Key Measure: Ridership on the Allen County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Fixed Route system
Data Source: Allen County RTA Reporting Data
Partners
Regional Transit Authority, Lima Allen County Regional Planning
Commission
Priority population for
advancing health equity
Low income
Evidence Based Strategies
Public Transportation Systems can increase physical activity and
reduce emissions
Objective 4.2.1:
Measure
Timeframe
Lead
By September 2023, increase the number of
passengers able to use RTAs services by 5%.
Baseline: Current
Passengers
January – June
2020 – 94,658
Target: Increase
5%
Start: Oct. 2020
End: Sept. 2023
Allen
County
Regional
Transit
Authority
and Lima
Allen
County
Regional
Planning
Action Steps:
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PAGE 41 OF 41
Develop strategies to support and expand public transportation services.
The RTA will work with local governments to improve pedestrian access to the fixed route
system.
Meet with officials in various Villages and Towns in Allen County to find out the need and
what RTA can do to make Public Transportation accessible in their location
Expand Eastgate route to meet the needs of students at Rhodes to access the downtown
campus
Status:
September
2021
January -June 2021 – 101,570 (7% increase) Bluffton and Delphos routes
were added June 2021. RTA also has been providing free rides to people
who would like to get the COVID vaccine.
