Northwest Arkansas
Hometown Health Improvement Project

 

Mission & Vision

(Revised November 12, 2003)

Vision

Improved health for those living in Northwest Arkansas through community-developed awareness, participation, and planning.

Mission

 

The Northwest Arkansas Hometown Health Improvement Project (NWA HHIP) strives to promote access to healthcare, a safe and clean environment, quality health education, and effective disease prevention initiatives by identifying and developing collaborative problem solving strategies for the people of Northwest Arkansas.

 

Northwest Arkansas
Hometown Health Improvement Project

 

Policy & Procedures

 

(Revised November 12, 2003)

OVERVIEW

The Northwest Arkansas Hometown Health Improvement Project (NWA HHIP) was initiated in the Fall of 1999 by the Washington County Health Unit under a framework supported by the Arkansas Department of Health.

This project is a locally owned and locally controlled initiative that stresses collaboration, coalition building, community health assessment, prioritization of health issues and the development and implementation of community health strategies that are locally designed and sustained.   Each team within the NWA HHIP sets its own agenda, priorities, and goals.

NWA HHIP is a community driven project established to improve the health of people in Northwest Arkansas Communities.   NWA HHIP, empowered through its members and leaders, provides a framework to help address our communities' health needs.   Monthly meetings notes and activities of the local NWA HHIP group are shared with other local and state organizations.

Our NWA HHIP Team:

• Develops and sustains collaborative community partnerships to address our communities health needs.
• Assess local communities' health and identifies barriers that could diminish that health.
• Collects, interprets, and shares data that reflect the health of our Community.
• Networks with local organizations to increase awareness of local resources.
• Supports team projects to address community health problems.

 

MEETING DATE

The NWA HHIP meets the second Wednesday of every month, or by coalition vote, except in January and August, in the large conference room at the Washington County Health Unit or at another announced location.   Breakfast snacks are provided at 8 a.m. and the project meeting starts at 8:15 a.m.   The project meeting conclusion goal is 9:30 a.m.   Improvement teams meet at separately scheduled times.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone who desires to participate and assist in the work of the organization. The NWA HHIP brings people together that are committed to the mission and vision of the project .   Representation of the business community, education, social agencies, healthcare organizations and other concerned citizens are encouraged and solicited.   Membership is irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religious belief, disability or national origin.

A person can become a member by an invitation to join, attendance at multiple meetings, and by meeting specific criteria determined by the coalition, which include:

• Agreement with the mission and vision of NWA HHIP
• Representation of targeted populations
• Representation of targeted agencies
• Recommendation by other coalition members
• Experience with certain health issue or topic.

The requirements to maintain membership include:

• Meeting attendance
• Improvement Team participation
• Participation in special projects
• Compliance with NWA HHIP's policies and procedures.

 

IMPROVEMENT TEAMS

• Improvement Teams are created under the direction of the NWA HHIP Mission and Vision.
• A majority vote approves the name and descriptions of the teams.
• Each team must have a team leader.
• Each Improvement Team is expected to give monthly progress reports to the NWA HHIP.
• Teams Leaders are responsible for directing and coordinating Improvement Team meetings and activities.
• Teams do not have the power to act for the NWA HHIP unless approved to do so.

 

The Improvement Teams of the NWA HHIP may include:

• Community Improvement Team :   Increasing community awareness and participation in our Hometown Health Project.
• Access to Care :   Focusing on access to healthcare in the Northwest Arkansas area.
• Health Data Team :   Researching current health resources and health statistics related to Northwest Arkansas.
• Community Cancer Awareness Team :   Educating the community on cancer types, prevention, and treatment.
• Youth Board :   Recruiting young people from our school systems to help identify youth related concerns.
• Environmental Team :   Developing ways to create a safe and clean environment.
• Ad Hoc :   Meeting the need for temporary teams.
  

 

LEADERSHIP TEAM

• Leadership team consists of NWA HHIP Co-Chairs, Washington County Health Department Team Leader, a Hometown Health Regional Support Staff Member, and Secretary.
• The Leadership Team meets at least two times a year.
• The Leadership Team guides the development of the goals and objectives of the NWA HHIP.
• The Leadership Team evaluates the effectiveness of NWA HHIP objectives.
• The Leadership Team directs the approval of proposals for formation of new teams and projects.
• The Leadership Team will review annually the NWA HHIP membership list for Inactivity.
• The NWA HHIP Secretary will be responsible for taking minutes at Leadership Team meetings, notifying members of upcoming events, and maintaining   membership log.   The NWA HHIP Secretary will submit the minutes within a week after a meeting to the Co-Chairs.

 

 

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

• The Executive Leadership Team reviews, assesses, and evaluates the progress of the Improvement Team Leaders and Leadership Team leaders.
• The Executive Leadership Team is the governing body of the NWA HHIP that meets quarterly and reviews coalition progress.
• The Executive Leadership Team is made up of the Hometown Health Co-Chairs, Washington County Health Department Team Leader, and a Home-town Health NW Regional Support Staff Member.
• The Executive Leadership Team conducts the business of the NWA HHIP.
• All members of the Executive Leadership Team are notified at least one week in advance of any meetings.
• Executive Leadership Team members are encouraged to attend all meetings.
• Situations or actions regarding membership or position dismissal/removal must be made in an Executive Session of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Executive Leadership Team meetings are conducted in an informal fashion under the general guidance of Robert's Rules of Order.

Executive Leadership Roles:

• NWA HHIP Co-Chairs
  
  • Sets NWA HHIP meeting agendas.
  • Preside and facilitate at meetings.   Co-Chairs may delegate facilitation.
  • Collaborate with other Leadership Team members to ensure that the NWA HHIP's mission and work plan are accomplished.
  • Appoint or act as media spokesperson.
  • Receive agenda items from members.
  • Model and enforce ground rules during meetings.
  • Assure proper meeting procedures are followed using the NWA HHIP's policies and procedures as a guide.
  • Address any necessary communications and conduct business which require attention between meetings.
  • Review meeting summary notes and approves correspondence before dissemination.
  • Facilitate informal dispute resolution process if needed.
    
• Washington County Health Department Team Leader
  
  • Responsible for coordinating training and educational sessions and provides consultation and technical assistance to community coalitions.
  • Establishes and maintains linkages with key stakeholders.
  • Utilizes leadership, teambuilding, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to build community partnerships and the Health Unit Teams.
  • Collaborates with community partners to promote the health of the community.
  • Identifies community assets and available resources.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluates a community public health assessment.
  • Assures that a historical record of Hometown Health Improvement activities is maintained.
  • Leads and problem solves in response to local community development needs.
  • Assures Hometown Health Improvement initiatives (when applicable) continue to identify health needs, sustain implementation plans, and evaluate program effectiveness.
    
• Hometown Health NW Regional Support Staff Member
  
  • Provides guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health regarding state health initiatives.
  • Gathers and shares resources that are available in the area of community health.

 

ELECTIONS

• An announcement regarding nominations will be made in September.
• Nominations for Co-chairs, Secretary, and Team Leaders will be held in October of each year.
• Elections will be held during the November meeting.
• Appointments will be for a one-year term, beginning in January and ending in December.
• Current NWA HHIP leaders may state their desire to seek re-election or decline.
• All nominees may state their positions and goals for NWA HHIP.
• NWA HHIP members will conduct elections with Robert's Rules of Order.

A Hometown Health representative will tabulate the results of the elections and announce the elected leadership.