History and Structure of the Council
The Robertson County Health Council began in 1997, in response to tremendous changes in the health care delivery system in Tennessee and the nation. The Department of Health implemented Health Councils throughout the state of Tennessee, with a goal to shift from treatment to prevention and to give greater ownership of healthiness to communities. In 1996, the Department of Health worked through Health Councils in the 12 communities of the Mid-Cumberland Region (one of 9 regions in Tennessee) to undertake a community-based, community-owned Diagnosis Process. This process identified the major health concerns of Robertson County residents, the impact of these issues in terms of numbers of people affected, and the impact on health and financial cost.
Following this formal process, Robertson County Health Council members were charged with enacting a plan to address these priority health areas. This was accomplished by partnering with other organizations or by developing and implementing interventions. The Robertson Health Council also provides input and planning on services and funding provided by the Department of Health and assures accountability for the state funded initiatives within their communities.
The Robertson County Health Council is a diverse group representing various professions, geographic locations, social-economic levels and ethnic groups. Currently the Council is comprised of representatives from the following Robertson County agencies and service providers:
- Centerstone
- City of Springfield
- NorthCrest Medical Center
- Reformer’s Unanimous
- Robertson County Family Resource Center
- Robertson County Health Department
- Robertson County Schools, Student Services
- Robertson County Sheriff’s Office
- TNKids Nutrition
- TN Suicide Prevention Network
- United Way of Robertson County
- UT Extension-Robertson County
Purpose and main activities
County Health Councils are the instrument through which health problems in the community can be assessed, health problems identified, and prioritized. They are the Department of Health’s chosen way of ensuring the health plans are developed to deal with these problems at a community level. The Council exists as an advisory and support body to the TN Department of Health regarding the health problems of Robertson County.
Our main activities are to:
- Develop a community health plan which includes health problems and needs identification.
- Develop goals, objectives, and plans of action to meet these needs along with identifying and securing resources.
- Establish priorities for all identified health problems.
- Identify department/organization work teams and community agencies that should coordinate efforts with respect to each health problem prioritized.
Initially, the Community Diagnosis Process was used to assess and evaluate problems, and then establish priorities and goals for Robertson County. In 2016, the Health Council undertook a less formal assessment of needs and have now established new priorities and goals.
Who We Serve
The Robertson County Health Council serves all current residents of Robertson County, and all future residents of the county.