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Galveston County and Cities – The Galveston County Health District is engaged in its’ second strategic planning initiative to identify goals and objectives necessary to meet the changing health needs of the county’s residents over the next five years.  The first plan was for 2004-2009, and the current plan will be for 2010 through 2015.  

“These are challenging times for addressing health needs in Galveston County and cities.  I believe these challenges can best be addressed through coordinated community-wide efforts supported by our county health system and stakeholders,” said Dr. Mark Guidry, Chief Executive Officer for the District.  “In addition to our essential public health services, we foresee in the next 5 years significant time and energy going toward improving many of our facilities and business practices such as acquiring new technology systems which will ultimately help us serve more and serve better.  A strategic health planning process helps make the public aware of our goals and helps identify partners with shared public health and healthcare goals.” 

After a meeting of key staff members in January and subsequent feedback from the Galveston County United Board of Health and the 4C’s Governing Board the following draft health priorities were identified:

• Improve access to care for the indigent and uninsured
• Improve the health of our community and environment
• Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies
• Modernize facilities and use of technology
• Strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of business practices
• Develop a competent and professional public health workforce
• Continue to improve and strengthen the credibility of the Health District

Health District officials would like the public to review these draft priorities with goals related to each, and submit feedback to them by Friday March 26, 2010.  After input has been obtained from all interested community stakeholders, revisions may be made to reflect comments and concerns received. The final product will be submitted to the Boards of Health for adoption. 

Anyone interested in viewing the draft plan can do so on the District’s web site www.gchd.org.  Public feedback and comments can be submitted to the District’s Public Information Officer, Kurt Koopmann, kkoopman@gchd.org or he may be contacted by phone at (409) 938-2211. 

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(News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)