Department Resources

Development Process

Since 2010, the Partnership with support from the Fairfax County Health Department, has actively partnered with Fairfax community members to develop and implement a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)— a strategic, action-oriented roadmap dedicated to addressing issues that matter most to the community. CHIPs not only identify priorities but also outline actionable strategies led by community members themselves, fostering collective ownership and collaboration.

The inaugural CHIP spanned 2013–2019, followed by a second CHIP covering 2019–2025, with an extended timeframe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the third iteration, CHIP 3.0, which sets a bold vision for improving community health from 2026 through 2030.

graphic depicting 5 arrows in a continuous circle, representing each of the 5 stages of the development process

Step 1: Gather the Data

The foundation for CHIP 3.0 began with the completion of a Community Health Assessment by the Fairfax County Health Department in 2023. This comprehensive assessment analyzed health-related data to uncover the most pressing issues impacting the well-being of the Fairfax community. While the Fairfax community is largely a healthy place to live, the assessment revealed stark disparities: many residents lack equitable opportunities to achieve optimal health, with factors like structural racism and place of residence playing a significant role in shaping these inequities.

Recognizing the value of collective input, the Community Health Assessment process placed a strong emphasis on engaging diverse voices—community members, local organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to co-develop solutions based on lived experiences and shared expertise. Through this inclusive and collaborative approach, eight key health-related areas emerged as priorities for targeted action. The integration of collective input not only informed these focus areas but also ensured that the CHIP centers on addressing inequities and creating a healthier, more equitable community for all.

Read the Community Health Assessment report

Visit the Community Health Dashboard at www.livehealthyfairfax.org to view the most current data available for more than 100 health-related indicators.

Step 2: Seek Feedback and Input - Define Priorities

To ensure the CHIP reflects the voices of those most impacted by health disparities, community members were engaged through a series of interactive meetings called Data Walks. These meetings created a platform for individuals directly experiencing the greatest disparities to share their perspectives and priorities. After all, a COMMUNITY health improvement plan must be shaped by the COMMUNITY it seeks to benefit.

Community members know the issues they are facing most intimately and also will be able to drive/create solutions that will best meet their needs. Over the course of 25 Data Walks, findings from the 2023 Community Health Assessment were presented and participants were invited to identify the issues most important to them and their neighborhoods.

strip of 5 photos of community members viewing health data posters

The insights and feedback gathered during the 25 Data Walks were instrumental in shaping the focus of this CHIP. Through meaningful engagement with community members, four priority areas critical to addressing health disparities and improving well-being were identified:

These priorities reflect the voices and needs of the community and set the stage for targeted, impactful efforts to build a healthier and more equitable future for all.

CHIP Priority Areas

Health care Use & Access
Enhancing communication and facilitating navigation within the health care system while expanding access to affordable, equitable health care services

Food Access & Healthy Eating
Improving the local food system so that healthy, culturally familiar foods are not only accessible and affordable but understood, valued and sustained for all

Healthy Environment & Active Living
Creating a community environment that fosters active lifestyles and promotes health and well-being for everyone

Behavioral Health
Advancing social and emotional well-being while fostering a supportive and stigma-free environment for all

Step 3: Seek a Deeper Understanding

To deepen understanding of why these priority areas mattered most to the community, additional meetings were held to hear directly from community about their lived experiences and the changes that could make a difference. Returning to the same communities where the Data Walks were held, space was created for candid conversations about the challenges people face daily and a Root Cause Analysis was conducted.

A Root Cause Analysis is a process for identifying the underlying causes of a problem, rather than just addressing the immediate symptoms. The goal was to ensure that the strategies in the CHIP were rooted in the realities of those who live these experiences—not based solely on assumptions. By centering the voices of the community, solutions were developed that resonate with community and drive meaningful change.

strip of 3 photos showing community members sharing health concerns

Step 4: Develop Goals and Key Actions

To develop the goals and key actions for the CHIP, four dedicated work teams were assembled—one for each priority area. These teams were equipped with comprehensive data collected from the community, alongside key themes identified through the Root Cause Analysis, ensuring their work was deeply rooted in the lived experiences of residents. Teams were tasked with crafting solutions that not only addressed community needs but also prioritized capacity building, feasibility, sustainability, and measurable impact. This collaborative approach ensures that this CHIP is actionable and grounded in the realities and voices of our community.

In crafting these goals and actions, teams prioritized closing the gaps the community clearly identified or supported with data. The teams sought to amplify and enhance existing efforts to address the evolving needs of our community, aligning them with local initiatives while laying the groundwork to mobilize resources effectively. By following these guiding principles, the teams ensured that every goal and every action carried the strength and potential to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Step 5: Implementation and Evaluation

This phase focuses on fostering cross-sector collaboration and empowering new voices to actively contribute to the community’s health improvement journey. As the Partnership embarks on collectively working towards the goal of implementing the CHIP, it is imperative that a diverse set of voices are continually present. This CHIP outlines overarching shared goals as set forth through the first stages of development. The Partnership will rely on community members to bring this CHIP to life through the implementation of key actions with flexibility to learn, iterate, and improve on the approach to improve the health of all Fairfax communities.

Each of the four CHIP work teams align resources, expertise, and energy to collectively transform strategies into measurable results. Additionally, team members serve as champions for identified priorities and key initiatives, leveraging their expertise and tapping into broader networks to achieve sustainable change.

Work to implement key action steps includes specific tasks such as:

Developing work plans that include measurable objectives.
Tracking health outcomes through indicators that reflect the CHIP’s impact on priority areas.
Reevaluating and adjusting strategies to address newly emerging challenges or resources.

Active participation in CHIP implementation is essential for success, and we invite both current partners and new stakeholders to join us in leading this effort. By working together in partnership, we can reach our shared vision of optimal health and well-being for all in the Fairfax community.

Join us in the important work ahead! Become a part of the Partnership today and drive positive, lasting changes for our community.

Partnership Interest Form

Live Healthy Fairfax

Live Healthy Fairfax Alert: