On April 6, 2011, the Greater Flint Health Coalition (GFHC) held a press conference to announce its “County Health Rankings Action Plan.” Collaboratively developed by the GFHC and its partner organizations, the Action Planis in response to the national County Health Rankings study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. It outlines a series of short and long-term strategies to address Flint and Genesee County’s health rankings, with a special emphasis on improvement in the areas of Health Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Genesee County.
The County Health Rankings national study shows us that where we live matters to our health. The health of a community depends on many different factors – ranging from individual health behaviors, education and jobs, to quality of health care, to the environment. The GFHC has used this information to generate an action plan and secure community-wide commitments to address the county’s most significant health challenges.
Press conference speakers included Kirk Smith, President & CEO, and Deb Cherry, Chair, GFHC; Dr. Michael Boucree, Genesee County Medical Society; Duane Miller, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce; and City of Flint Mayor Dayne Walling.
“The County Health Rankings study has provided a consolidated look into our community’s health status, including the root causes behind our poor health outcomes,” Smith said. “Our focus with this Action Plan is to work together to address issues related to preventable health conditions by providing a stimulating environment supported by the commitment of a broad-base of community leaders and committed citizens.”
As a part of its announcement, the GFHC also introduced the theme of a forthcoming, major multi-media health improvement campaign, “Commit to Fit” as the first component of the County Health Rankings Action Plan. The campaign will kick off in May.