The Health Council is committed to being an ACTION-focused group. Every year, we develop a strategic plan and agree the activities, events, and initiatives we will support for the upcoming year. We work in Committees which are organized based on each of our strategic Goals. We then meet monthly to update each other on progress made, problem solve together, and hear from speakers that can help us achieve our Goals.
Our Vision is to achieve TN Healthy Community status, and to be ranked within the top 5 healthiest counties in the state.
We want a community that works together in partnership and through collaboration to ensure health resources are available to all, and that these resources are well known to the residents of the county. We want residents to be well educated, employed and empowered so that the cycle of poor health outcomes stop.
In the past 10-15 years, the Health Council has worked together on projects such as:
- Implementing a “Homeless Count” – a point-in-time assessment of the number of homeless people in Robertson County
- Designated emergency shelter for homeless people identified for cold weather (fire stations, etc.)
- Emergency food supplies now available through law enforcement for people who are stranded and/or in crisis
- A teen drama troupe developed to deliver health and safety messages to youth
- Smoking and tobacco cessation programs implemented
- Health and hygiene items collected and are available for those who need them
- A “Spring Fling” held to support the Bransford After School program
- An annual “Mayor’s Back to School Bash” held each year which equips children and their families with supplies and health information for the upcoming school year.
- Emergency food supplies made available through United Ministries and other faith communities.
- A county-wide “resource directory” developed and updated regularly by Health Council members
- Robertson County Health Council website and social media presence established
- Regular information sharing about programs and resources through monthly Health Council meetings, which are well attended by both members and guests from the community
From our 2018 Strategic Plan:
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:
- Robertson County YMCA
- Reformers Unanimous Addiction Program
- Robertson County Health Department
- NorthCrest Medical Center
- United Way of Robertson County
- Robertson County Mayor’s Office
- UT Extension Office
- Greater Faith Community Action Corporation
- Bransford After School Program
- Springfield Police Department
- Robertson County Sheriff’s Department
- Family and Children’s Service (Project AWARE Robertson County)
- Roberts County Schools Nursing Services
- TNKids
- Robertson County Juvenile Court
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.