Community Involvement

Community engagement involves partnerships and communication between community members and local health department staff. “Community” may include individuals, groups, organizations, and associations or informal networks that share common

Some of the most successful public health initiatives have three things in common: they were initiated by a serious risk or health threat that affected everyone regardless of background, they were solved by innovative solutions, and they were implemented through community involvement.

Siouxland District Health Department facilitates several community coalitions for individuals and or partner organizations to become involved in. A brief description and contact information for each coalition can be found below.

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Community Coalitions 

• Healthy Homes
  The Healthy Homes coalition is a comprehensive approach to educate and partner within the community to promote the eight principles of a healthy home: Keep it Dry, Keep it Clean, Keep it Pest-Free, Keep it Ventilated, Keep it Safe, Keep it Contaminant Free, Keep it Maintained and Keep it Thermally Controlled. Meetings are held at Siouxland District Health Department quarterly. For more information email asanders@siouxlanddistricthealth.org. 

• HOPES Advisory
  Comprised of individuals that advocate for the Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success (HOPES) Home Visitation programming. Attendees learn about the HOPES program during the quarterly meetings held at Siouxland District Health Department and assist in brainstorming ideas that could facilitate growth of the program. For more information email aklemish@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.

• Emergency Preparedness & Health Care Coalition This coalition is a community effort between SDHD, local health care providers, hospitals and emergency planners and responder. The coalition plans, trains, exercises and supports each other’s unique roles in helping our community navigate emergencies. For more information e-mail auhl@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.

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Healthy Siouxland Initiative
A collaborative community effort comprised of mainly social service and health care personnel. Our mission is, “To build partnerships that assures a healthy and safe community.” The group assists in completing the Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan every 3 years for our community. Several coalitions meet to assist in completing Community Health Improvement Plan strategies. 

• All Abilities Coalition
  Community partners from across Siouxland gather every other month to work on initiatives that aim to create a healthy inclusive community. Initiatives focus on reducing barriers, increasing accessibility and creating more physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information email adrent@siouxlanddisticthealth.org.

• Worksite Wellness
  Businesses can learn about developing and adopting practices and policies to keep their workforce and workplace healthy. Information is shared through the Siouxland Chapter of SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management).  Email adrent@siouxlanddistricthealth.org for information. 

• Siouxland Food and Nutrition Coalition
  Looks to promote sustainable food security and advance nutrition education through collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure that all individuals have access to nutritious food and the knowledge to make informed dietary choices, fostering healthier communities and empowering people to lead fuller, more vibrant lives. For more information email amares@sioulxanddistricthealth.org. 

• Quarterly Healthy Siouxland Coalition
  The Healthy Siouxland Coalition meets quarterly to share updates on programs and services that are available in the community focusing specifically on chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition. This coalition typically meets the 1st Thursday of the month in Feb, May, Aug, Nov at Siouxland District Health Department from 2:30 – 4:00. For more information email mlewis@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.

• Tobacco Free Siouxland
  Is a coalition comprised of community agencies and partners interested in providing tobacco education, prevention and cessation resources to residents of Siouxland. Meetings are typically held quarterly at Siouxland District Health. For more information email amares@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections Coalition 
  A coalition that focuses on various strategies to decrease STI infections in the Siouxland Area. The coalition meets every other month typically at Siouxland District Health Department. For more information email bsteck@slandchc.com

• Mental Health Roundtable 
  Looks to address the mental health needs in the Siouxland area and destigmatize mental health. Coalition meets every other month at Catholic Charities. For more information e-mail jennifer@heartlandcounselingservices.com

For more information on any coalition list above email mlewis@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.

Growing Community Connections/Healthy Siouxland Initiative Monthly Videos