DPH Invites Public Comment on 2023 Delaware Statewide Health Assessment

A copy of the SHA draft plan and the link to the public comment survey can be found on the SHIP website at https://delawareship.org. Comments can also be submitted at [email protected]. The public comment survey is available at Qualtrics Survey | SHA Public Comment Period. The deadline for comment submissions is the close of business on Sept. 20, 2024.

The SHA process was led by the University of Delaware's Epidemiology Program and Partnership for Healthy Communities and included a series of community health assessments (i.e., surveys) and community conversations in Delaware's three counties. The goal of the SHA is to understand the status of health and well-being, the factors that influence health outcomes, how these factors are experienced differently by place and population, and the challenges and assets of communities. Based on the data in the SHA, the cross-sector Partnership Coalition will identify priority areas of concern and strategies to improve health and well-being so that all Delawareans have the chance to thrive.

The SHA/SHIP uses the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being as its guiding framework. The vital conditions are the factors that all people need all the time to be healthy and well to reach their full potential. The vital conditions include reliable transportation, thriving natural world, basic needs for health and safety, humane housing, meaningful work and wealth, lifelong learning, and belonging and civic muscle (ability to make change). According to the plan, multisolving across these vital condition areas, especially affordable and quality living spaces, accessible and equitable educational opportunities, reliable and safe ways to get around, fulfilling jobs that pay a living wage, and meeting basic needs are SHIP-wide priorities.

"The public comment period allows for your voice to be heard, and we encourage you to actively participate in this process, offer substitute language, share your expertise, and help identify solutions or errors that may have been overlooked," said DPH Bureau of Health Equity Chief Sequoia Rent. "Most importantly, commenting ensures that your lived experiences are considered. We look forward to receiving your valuable input and working together to create a healthier future for our state."

Any person, group, or organization can create a public comment. Comments may be submitted anonymously if you choose. The comment period will last two weeks. After the comment period closes, all comments received will be reviewed and DPH will organize partners again to develop and align strategies and goals to address Delaware's major health needs. DPH values your experience and encourages you to offer your feedback in improving the state of Delaware.

To learn more about Delaware's SHA/SHIP, visit www.DelawareSHIP.org.

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