Domain 5 focuses on health departments’ ability to influence policies, plans, and laws by working across sectors with partners and the community to consider the health implications, correct historical injustices, and provide fair and just opportunities for all to achieve optimal health. Health departments play an important role to serve as a primary and expert resource for reviewing and evaluating policies for their impact on health by considering the evidence and gathering input from among affected stakeholders. A collaborative health improvement planning process is an opportunity for the community to determine which strategies can best leverage assets and address health needs. Health departments and their partners can consider a range of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes aimed at creating conditions in which all residents have the opportunity to be healthy. Health improvement planning efforts can take a life course approach to support positive life trajectories

DOMAIN 5 INCLUDES TWO STANDARDS:

Standard 5.1: Serve as a primary and expert resource for establishing and maintaining health policies and laws

Standard 5.2: Develop and implement community health improvement strategies collaboratively.