Carson City NV February 26, 2024
Access to health care; mental health and substance use; conditions that promote health and well-being; and robust governmental systems that keep communities healthy and respond to public health emergencies are the major health priorities identified in the 2023-2028 Silver State Health Improvement Plan (SSHIP), published last week by state health officials. The SSHIP can be viewed at the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) Public Health Infrastructure and Improvement Section web page under “Resources.”
Produced by DPBH and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health, the SSHIP is the first of its kind in Nevada. It draws on data from the 2022 State Health Assessment and outlines key health priorities and goals to help residents achieve better health outcomes over the next four years.
“The State Health Improvement Plan provides a roadmap for state government and community partners to work together to improve the health of all in the Silver State,” DPBH Administrator Cody Phinney said. “I’m grateful to the members of the steering committee, subcommittees and subject matter experts who contributed time and expertise to develop timely, actionable goals and objectives to improve the health of Nevadans — and look forward to working collectively to address these critical health needs.”
The SSHIP was developed with input from nearly 100 representatives of state and local government; tribal partners; and organizations involved in public health, health care, social services, education, transportation and minority health and equity. The plan establishes 15 goals under four strategic priorities: access to health care; mental health and substance use; social determinants of health; and public health infrastructure.
It also outlines specific objectives to address certain issues within each priority, including access to oral health care, and primary and behavioral health workforces; access to children’s behavioral health services, the behavioral health crisis response system, the spectrum of services related to substance use and investment in the behavioral health system; food security, health literacy, air quality/climate change, and supportive housing; and key issues related to funding and supporting governmental public health infrastructure statewide.
For questions about the SSHIP or to get involved, email DPBHPHII@health.nv.gov.