In January 2023, the Nevada County Public Health Department (NCPHD) began planning for a new Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHA/CHIP is used to inform Nevada’s strategic plan and strengthen collaborative relationships within the local public health system. With guidance of the new MAPP 2.0 framework, Nevada’s focus was expanding partnerships to include community organizations’ expertise and the lived experiences of the individuals they serve.  

On October 5th & 6th, 2023, the NCPHD convened in-person partner conversations in both Eastern County (Tahoe/Truckee) and Western County (Nevada City/Grass Valley) as part of the Community Partner Assessment (CPA) component of the CHA process. The objectives were to summarize findings from the partner survey they conducted in July 2023, explore the root causes of health inequities observed in the community, and assess the collective and individual capacities to address them.  

With support from Nevada’s Community Health Improvement Project Steering Committee, nearly 100 partner organizations from their local public health system were invited to participate in two, 3-hour in-person conversations. Over the course of the two days, Nevada hosted over 60 organizations, with partners representing various sectors including hospitals, behavioral health, and community clinics. Nevada was intentional to include organizations representing populations with lived experiences including communities of color, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous People, seniors, people experiencing homelessness (PEH), domestic violence survivors, and people who use drugs (PWUD). 

The meetings provided a safe space for organizations to express their concerns, hopes, and dreams. The impact of Nevada’s convenings have been profound. During one meeting, there was a request by Nevada County Pride for support in hosting the first Trans Day of Remembrance in Grass Valley in November and several organizations signed up to become members of the Steering Committee. 

Nevada County’s success at convening community organizations is a testament to the importance of approaching Public Health through the lens of relationship building and avoiding transactional partnerships. Nevada County’s advice to others seeking to foster authentic relationships, “be prepared to listen, be vulnerable and communicate authentically about the opportunities and limitations of the work in local government.” 

For more information, feel free to reach out to Shannon Harney: shannon.harney@nevadacountyca.gov.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is observed in November to call attention to the culture, traditions, and achievements of the nation’s original inhabitants and of their descendants. As early as 1916, efforts have been underway to acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of Native peoples; in the same year, New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day.” In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month. This month can serve as a reminder of the rich customs and traditions of America’s Native communities, and or even provide many with a new understanding.

 In California, there are 110 federally recognized tribes, with many observing this month through various educational presentations, gatherings, and celebrations. There are several ways to celebrate, honor, or observe Native American Heritage Month. Consider learning more about Native American cultures, including rich and diverse stories of tradition and resiliency by visiting News from Native California.

To learn more about Native American Heritage Month click here.

Dive into various events, resources, podcasts and articles highlighting

Native American Culture, here

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

 

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Here are three facts to know

about Lung Cancer:

1. Lung Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. There are a variety of risk factors associated with lung cancer, including smoking, exposure to radon gas, air pollution, and secondhand smoke.
2. People of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white Americans because they are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to not receive any treatment. Addressing racial disparities in healthcare coverage is critical to addressing racial disparities in lung cancer care.
3. The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Initiative provides information for patients, caregivers and physicians, and works to increase awareness regarding lung cancer.

To learn more about how the tobacco industry is contributing to the racial disparities in lung cancer, check out the Story of Inequity.

There are many important causes we can learn about and advocate for, this month we highlighted Native American Heritage month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Please take a look at the other major movements celebrated this month like Transgender Awareness Week, Veterans Day, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and many more.

Latest News & Program Reminders

November 14, 2023:

TA Office Hours: Do No Harm Guide- Applying Equity Awareness in Data Visualization  

Come to November Office Hours to learn about the Do No Harm Guide, directly from one of its co-authors, Dr. Jonathan Schwabish. The publication focuses on applying an equity lens to data analysis and visualization. The guide was created through an interview process with 20 data experts in order to find new and exciting ways to approach data work through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn tips on how to build trust with communities, apply empathy to epidemiology, and make aesthetic choices that are inclusive.  

Office Hours will be held from 12:30-1:30pm. Join the meeting on Zoom

November 14, 2023: 

BARHII’s Final 2023 California Equity All-Stars Series Convening 

Many Players, One Goal:  

Advancing Health Equity Through an Ecosystem Approach  

On November 14th, BARHII is hosting a conversation with national and local innovators on how equity leaders can shift their “health ecosystems” to drive population-scale health equity impacts. The Virtual Convening will be from 10:00am–12:00pm PST. Register here.

November 30, 2023:

Healthy Places Index (HPI) Regional Training: Greater Sierra Sacramento

 Join us for an exploration of the Healthy Places Index® (HPI), an innovative data and policy platform used across California to track neighborhood conditions that support health. In this 90-minute training, we will provide a deep dive into the HPI, share how HPI can be used in Greater Sierra Sacramento local health departments to inform strategic interventions that address health disparities, and demonstrate how you can use the free, interactive map tool to leverage HPI data and analyses for your work.

Training will be from 11:00am-12:30pm. Register here.

Job Opportunity: Health Equity Manager 

 (Program Manager I/II)

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department is hiring a full-time Health Equity Manager (County Classification: Program Manager I/II) to lead and coordinate countywide efforts to achieve health equity, eliminate health disparities, and improve the health of all county residents by ensuring that services at the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department are delivered in culturally and linguistically equitable ways. This position will work with internal and external partners and stakeholders to assess, plan, and implement strategies to improve health equity.

The closing date to apply is 11/6/2023 11:59 PM PST. Learn more, or apply here.

Training of the Month

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