In a community context, we can think of a system as a set of interconnected components—including people, programs, organizations, policies, resources, and environments—that work together to influence the lived experience and resulting well-being of community members. Examples include community systems for education, food, health care, housing, public safety, and transportation.
Systems are complicated by nature, and can often use improvement. At CHS we provide strategy supports to help people work together for positive system change, such as:
- Breaking down silos and improve coordination across sectors.
- Addressing system-level causes of health disparities and inequities.
- Creating policy changes that support system improvements.
We support system change by providing strategic guidance and tools to help stakeholders identify system strengths and weaknesses, and work for system improvement. Our supports include:
- Convening diverse stakeholders to align goals and strategies.
- Facilitating partnerships across healthcare, public health, social services, and community organizations.
- Strengthening networks to create shared accountability and impact.
- Identifying opportunities to improve policies and programs.
- Supporting the adoption of evidence-based practices.
- Helping organizations advocate for policies that improve community health.
- Conducting system-wide assessments to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Building data-sharing and performance measurement frameworks.
- Using data insights to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Embedding health equity principles into system design and decision-making.
- Addressing social determinants of health through coordinated approaches.
- Supporting inclusive engagement strategies that elevate community voices.
- Developing strategies to sustain systems improvements over time.
- Helping organizations leverage funding and resources for long-term success.
- Supporting replication and scale of successful models.
