Healthy Linn Care Network is committed to improving community health through continuous assessment, collaboration and support of agencies that provide services both directly and which indirectly affect the health of our population. Without the passion and dedication of hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout Linn County, Iowa, it would not have been possible to develop this collaborative process for change.

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The 2005 Community Health Plan is intended to be a guide for agencies, organizations and individuals to increase awareness of and involvement in improving community health through outcome-driven processes. The Plan will be a resource for stakeholders (all those who have an investment in the health of the community) to improve accountability and maintain focus on achieving results.

How the 2005 Community Health Plan was developed
In 2004, a community needs assessment was once again undertaken to guide health improvement planning efforts. Statistical data and surveys to determine how residents perceived health needs set the stage for identification of top priorities in community health.

Statistical and perceptual data was merged to identify the top five priority areas of focus:

• cancer
• mental health
• obesity
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• substance abuse

Other identified areas included:

• access to care
• community violence
• environmental health issues (asthma, indoor air quality, safety)