The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment developed a strategic plan for 2011-2015 after gathering input from internal departments and external stakeholders. The plan aims to align priorities and resources to improve public health and environmental quality. It identifies 5 strategic priorities: creating a more efficient department, strengthening integrated public health, developing workforce competency, promoting programmatic excellence, and improving "winnable battles." The plan outlines objectives, strategies, and performance measures to guide implementation over the 5 years.

1. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015

2. Input from Internal groups Water Quality Control Division Air Pollution Control Division Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division Health Facilities Division Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division Operations Prevention Services Division Environmental Health and Sustainability Division Center for Health and Environmental Information and Statistics Division Emergency Preparedness and Response Division Community Relations 3 open forums with 30-50 employees each 45 employees gave feedback via the survey

3. External Stakeholders Minority Health Advisory Committee Environmental Health Directors of Colorado Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry Colorado Public Health Administrative Directors Nursing Directors of Colorado Western Colorado Association of Environmental Health Officers 15 people gave feedback via the survey

4. Strengths Internal Universal themes Talented, dedicated staff Strong relationships with partners-other agencies, local public health, feds Recognized as a credible source of information Less common themes Customer service Attributes of work environment External Universal themes Technical expertise Individual programs

5. Areas for improvement Internal External Universal themes Silos OIT-lack of support, service delays, poor customer service; overall structure Outdated technology HR-inconsistent policy interpretations, cumbersome hiring practices, lack of internal support/advocacy Workforce development-competitive salary, succession planning, aging workforce, lack of promotional opportunities Eroding pay, incentives and benefits Bureaucracy-procurement, signatures Less common themes Workforce Diversity at all levels Universal themes Programmatic Communications Low performing silos/staff Not functioning as unified organization Less common themes Lack of understanding of local public health Not managing resources wisely

6. Critical issues Internal Universal themes Workforce development, succession planning, retention Decrease funding and resources OIT improvements Increase Technology Marketing to Public Increase Organizational Efficiencies Less common themes Increasing regulations and lack of funding Health care reform Obesity Environmental and demographic trends-climate change, aging population, social determinants of health, emerging infections, multiculturalism External Universal themes Resources/Funding Less common themes Retiring Workforce/Succession Planning Prioritize and align resources

7. Strategic priorities Internal Universal themes Breakdown silos Workforce development/succession planning Winnable Battles/Key priorities Increase Technology Improve IT support and services Efficiency, effectiveness and accountability/Lean Marketing to the public Communications b/w divisions, programs and with stakeholders External Universal themes Prioritize Funding Strengthen Collaboration/ Communication

8. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Central Challenge Draft 08/30/11

9. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Central Challenge Draft 08/30/11 A B D E C Strategic Priority Strategic Priority Strategic Priority Strategic Priority Strategic Priority

10. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 Central Challenge

11. Strategic Priorities Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles

12. Cross-Cutting Strategic Priorities Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources F G

13. Strategic Objectives Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 A B D C E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

14. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners 3 Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work 4 Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles 5 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

15. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Establish Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Strategies Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Achieve Clear, Specific, Measurable Goals Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Value and Share Innovation Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners 3 Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration/ Integration 4 Meet Regulatory and Statutory Requirements Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles 5 Keep Up with the Speed of Business 6 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

16. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Implement the Public Health Improvement Plan Establish Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Strategies Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Achieve Clear, Specific, Measurable Goals Engage Partners in Programmatic and Policy Decision-Making Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Value and Share Innovation Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners Actively Participate as a Partner in the Community 3 Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration/ Integration Create and Support Sustainable, Healthy Communities 4 Meet Regulatory and Statutory Requirements Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles Promote the Value of Public Health and Environmental Protection 5 Keep Up with the Speed of Business 6 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

17. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Implement the Public Health Improvement Plan Promote Public Health and Environmental Careers Establish Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Strategies Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Achieve Clear, Specific, Measurable Goals Attract and Retain Talented and Diverse Employees Engage Partners in Programmatic and Policy Decision-Making Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Value and Share Innovation Align Employee Goals and Roles with Department Priorities Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners Actively Participate as a Partner in the Community 3 Provide Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration/ Integration Create and Support Sustainable, Healthy Communities 4 Meet Regulatory and Statutory Requirements Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles Develop a Leadership Succession Plan Promote the Value of Public Health and Environmental Protection 5 Recognize and Reward Employee Contributions Keep Up with the Speed of Business 6 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

18. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Implement the Public Health Improvement Plan Promote Public Health and Environmental Careers Establish Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Strategies Deliver Excellent Customer Service Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Achieve Clear, Specific, Measurable Goals Attract and Retain Talented and Diverse Employees Engage Partners in Programmatic and Policy Decision-Making Employ Lean Methodologies to Improve Business Processes Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Value and Share Innovation Align Employee Goals and Roles with Department Priorities Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners Secure Sustainable, Diversified Funding Actively Participate as a Partner in the Community 3 Provide Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration/ Integration Use New and Alternate Technologies to Optimize Employee Performance Create and Support Sustainable, Healthy Communities 4 Meet Regulatory and Statutory Requirements Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles Strengthen Internal and External Communication Develop a Leadership Succession Plan Promote the Value of Public Health and Environmental Protection 5 Consistently Apply Department Policies and Procedures Recognize and Reward Employee Contributions Keep Up with the Speed of Business 6 Influence State HR and Procurement Policies 7 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

19. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Strategic Map: 2011-2015 Align Priorities and Resources to Improve and Sustain Public Health and Environmental Quality Draft 08/30/11 C A B D E Create a More Efficient, Effective, Customer-Oriented Department Strengthen the Integrated Public and Environmental Health System Foster a Competent, Empowered Workforce Promote Programmatic Excellence Achieve Targeted Improvements in Colorado’s Winnable Battles Implement the Public Health Improvement Plan Promote Public Health and Environmental Careers Establish Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Strategies Deliver Excellent Customer Service Develop and Implement Strategies to Achieve Winnable Battles 1 Achieve Clear, Specific, Measurable Goals Attract and Retain Talented and Diverse Employees Engage Partners in Programmatic and Policy Decision-Making Employ Lean Methodologies to Improve Business Processes Promote Policies That Support Winnable Battles 2 Value and Share Innovation Align Employee Goals and Roles with Department Priorities Champion Collaboration Among Programs, Departments and Partners Secure Sustainable, Diversified Funding Actively Participate as a Partner in the Community 3 Provide Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities Communicate Winnable Battles to Employees and Identify Linkages to their Work Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration/ Integration Use New and Alternate Technologies to Optimize Employee Performance Create and Support Sustainable, Healthy Communities 4 Meet Regulatory and Statutory Requirements Educate External Partners on Winnable Battles Strengthen Internal and External Communication Develop a Leadership Succession Plan Promote the Value of Public Health and Environmental Protection 5 Consistently Apply Department Policies and Procedures Recognize and Reward Employee Contributions Keep Up with the Speed of Business 6 Influence State HR and Procurement Policies 7 Promote Health Equity and Environmental Justice F Use Performance-Based Measures and Evaluation to Continuously Improve Effectiveness and Prioritize Resources G

20. Questions for You What excites you about the Strategic Plan? What issues or concerns do you have? Is there anything critical missing from the Strategic Plan? What suggestions do you have to ensure successful implementation of the strategy?