Building Healthy Communities
The core of our work is supporting partners to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities they serve. By understanding community assets, needs, and context, we’re able to help organizations design and implement strategies tailored to their communities. The examples below highlight our experience building healthy communities across diverse settings, from national nonprofit organizations to local health departments.
Letting Community Input Drive Health Improvement in Rural Colorado
In 2024, we conducted a community health needs assessment with the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department to inform development of the region’s 2025–2030 Public Health Improvement Plan using population data, community input, surveys, and focus groups. We shared findings with the community and integrated them into the final plan to ensure priorities reflected local needs and were accessible to residents and stakeholders.
Conducting a Statewide Cancer Survivor Needs Assessment
To better support cancer survivors, we conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to examine key concerns and resource gaps across the state. Results informed recommendations focused on improving access to information, financial guidance, support networks, and whole-person survivorship care.
Tailoring Messaging for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening
In partnership with ACS NCCRT, we developed a practical guide to help coalitions and organizations tailor colorectal cancer screening messaging to better engage priority populations and improve screening rates. The guide is informed by interviews with organizations that successfully implemented tailored campaigns, highlighting real-world strategies, lessons learned, and actionable tips.
Assessing Cancer Survivors’ Needs in Wyoming
In partnership with the Wyoming Cancer Coalition and Wyoming Department of Health, OHI conducted a mixed-methods needs assessment to better understand the physical, emotional, and practical needs of cancer survivors across the state. The findings, which were informed by survivor surveys, stakeholder input, and environmental scans, identified key priorities that continue to guide the coalition’s planning and efforts.
Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities
We partnered with the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable to develop a practical guide that supports rural organizations in increasing colorectal cancer screening by addressing common barriers and highlighting effective strategies. A comprehensive literature review and interviews with organizations successfully implementing evidence-based and innovative approaches in rural communities guided development of this tool.
Increasing Access to Counseling in Rural Colorado
We supported the development and launch of a free telehealth counseling program in partnerships with the region’s bi-county health department. This effort was rooted in their Community Health Needs Assessment and Public Health Improvement Plan priorities. With funding support, we helped design program workflows, tools, partnerships, and implementation processes, resulting in over 200 free therapy sessions delivered to residents and ongoing program support for long-term sustainability.
Wyoming Cancer Plan
The Wyoming Cancer Coalition’s 2026–2030 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan was developed with our support using data, stakeholder input, and evidence-based strategies to set SMART objectives and measurable goals. By considering Wyoming’s geographic challenges and community strengths, this plan ensures actionable solutions that address local needs and improve cancer outcomes.