DRAFT 2/29/2016

Plan4Health Update March 1, 2016

Since our kick-off meeting in January, the Delaware Plan4Health project has continued to move forward. In February there were many projects undertaken “behind the scenes” to gather the data necessary to prepare to conduct the in-depth planning exercises (aka “charrettes”) this summer. These projects include:

Health Survey: our consultants National Research Center and Designing4Health have worked with members of our Leadership Team to craft a telephone survey to be administered to Kent County residents. This survey was developed using nationally recognized questions that are designed to learn about residents’ access to healthy foods and physical activity. The survey is complete and will be administered starting in March.

GIS Data and Mapping: our consultants CRJA – IBI group and Designing4health have been gathering geographic data from the US Census and from various Delaware State agencies. Designing4Health has also been conducting nationwide research into proven methods of analyzing this geographic data. The outcome will be a series of maps of Kent County to illustrate health equity and health disparity issues. These maps will help guide selection of the communities to focus on for the in depth planning exercises.

Health Equity, Land Use and Policy Analysis: Designing4Health has been conducting research that will result in the completion of reports about Health Equity, Land Use, and Policy Analysis in Kent County. These reports will inform the in-depth planning studies as well as the overall project recommendations.

In March and April these activities will continue, with the results of all due by early May. We anticipate that we will schedule an event to present our findings in May. More details on that event will be coming soon. The in-depth planning exercises (charrettes) will be held in June and July, one in the City of Dover and another in Kent County. These exercises will have many opportunities to get involved, and we will be reaching out to you for your expertise and participation.

Please check our website for updates on project progress at Also follow us on [facebook and twitter?].

Please contact any of us with any questions, concerns, on input regarding the grant:

David Edgell
APA Delaware
Main Project Lead
(302) 739-3090
/ Tim Gibbs
Delaware Public Health Association
(302) 733-3919
/ Michelle Eichinger
Designing4Health
Consultant
(302) 293-0110