Public Policy and Health Administration
Reports
Reports that cover topics on Public Health Management, Policy, and Administration.
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Shared Services Among Local Health Departments in Ohio: A Case Study Toolkit
Authors: Surjit Dawar, Joshua Filla, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2018
Ohio's Local Health Departments (LHDs) are revolutionizing service delivery through shared services and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. This toolkit features real-world case studies of innovative partnerships, from cost-saving plumbing inspection agreements to grant-writing collaborations that secure critical funding. Explore lessons learned, challenges faced, and strategies that can inspire and empower health departments to maximize resources and expand public health impact.
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Shared Services Involving Local Health Departments (LHDs): A Bibliography of References from Ohio and Elsewhere
Authors: Surjit Dawar, Joshua Filla, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2018
This extensive bibliography dedicated to shared services among Local Health Departments (LHDs), offers a wealth of research and insights from Ohio and across the nation. This collection examines diverse collaborations, including health department partnerships, cross-sector initiatives, and resource-sharing models, alongside their impacts on public health efficiency and accreditation readiness. Whether you're seeking evidence-based strategies or innovative approaches, this resource provides the knowledge to support impactful public health solutions.
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Environmental Scan: A Brief Overview of Findings from Scholarly and Professional Work on Shared Services Relevant to Local Public Health in Ohio and Beyond
Authors: Surjit Dawar, Joshua Filla, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2018
Substantial progress has been made in recent years regarding shared services and the consolidation of Local Health Departments (LHDs) in Ohio, but few efforts have focused on synthesizing the lessons learned. An environmental scan was conducted to explore shared services among LHDs in Ohio and beyond, offering insights into motivations, impacts, and key recommendations. The scan’s findings aim to highlight areas where further support, resources, and training could aid LHDs in advancing their public health accreditation goals, with a particular focus on tools and strategies to address identified needs.
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Pathways Innovative Intervention Assessment Report for the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio
Authors: Edward Chiyaka, Joshua Filla, Pamela Ferguson, John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2017
The Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for low-income adults with chronic diseases by using Community Health Workers (CHWs) to implement tailored health improvement pathways. This evaluation report assesses the program’s impact in Lucas County from July 2015 to June 2017, focusing on healthcare access, client readiness, and the completion of Pathways. The findings provide insights into the program’s growth, challenges, and recommendations for improving care for high-risk Medicaid populations.
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Akron Children’s Hospital, 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment Executive Summary
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
Akron Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa Health System, conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in 2013 and 2016, identifying key health needs for children in n Medina, Portage, Summit, Stark, Wayne, and Richland counties. Priorities include access to healthcare, chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes, infant mortality, mental health, and injuries. These findings guide the hospital's outreach efforts, with a focus on chronic disease management, maternal and infant health, mental health, injury prevention, and addressing opioid and heroin abuse.
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Summa Health, 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment Executive Summary
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
In 2013 and 2016, Summa Health, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Akron Children’s Hospital, conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for five counties. The assessment identified key health needs, including chronic diseases, access to healthcare, environmental factors, and mental health. The primary health priorities are chronic disease management, healthcare access, health disparities, prevention, and wellness, which will guide the hospital’s implementation plan, to be published by April 2017.
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Akron Children's Hospital, 2016 Mahoning Community Health Needs Assessment Executive Summary
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
Akron Children's Hospital partnered with Kent State University to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties, identifying key health needs for children in the region. Priorities include chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes, infant mortality, mental health, and injuries (both intentional and unintentional). The hospital uses these findings to guide outreach and intervention strategies, with a focus on addressing opioid abuse and improving health outcomes in the community.
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Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
The 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment for Akron General Medical Center was conducted by the Kent State University College of Public Health to evaluate the health needs of residents in Summit County, Ohio. The assessment identified six priority areas for improvement: access to affordable health care, chronic diseases and other health conditions, economic development and community conditions, health professions education and research, health care for older adults, and overall wellness.
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Cleveland Clinic Akron General Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Hospital, 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
The Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute (ESRI), part of Akron General Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic, conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in collaboration with Kent State University. The assessment identified six key health needs in its service area: access to affordable healthcare, chronic diseases, economic development, health professions education, healthcare for the elderly, and wellness.
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Cleveland Clinic Akron General Lodi Hospital, 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: Peter J. Leahy, Ken Slenkovich, Tegan Beechey, Lynn Falletta, Matthew Nichols, Hilla Sang, and Carissa Smock
Prepared: 2016
Lodi Community Hospital (LCH), a 20-bed Critical Access Hospital, conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) with Kent State University College of Public Health to identify key health needs in Medina and Wayne counties. The assessment highlighted six major health needs: access to affordable healthcare, chronic diseases, economic development, health professions education, healthcare for the elderly, and wellness.
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Impacts of Local Health Department Consolidation: A Summary of Recent Research Nationally and in Ohio
Authors: Kathryn Bland, Marissa Bland, Joshua Filla, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2016
Health officials in Ohio are considering consolidating local health departments (LHDs) to achieve monetary savings, increased efficiencies, and improvements in public health services. This document summarizes the potential benefits and costs of LHD consolidation, based on a review of relevant literature. Communities should assess their specific situations to determine the likely impacts of consolidation.
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Resource Guide: Health Insurance Choices for Ohio Public Entities
Authors: Joshua Filla, Kimberly Laurene, Kathryn Bland, Marissa Bland, Healther Mikulski, Thomas Pascarella, Matthew Stefanak, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2016
Public entities in Ohio face significant challenges in managing the health benefits they provide to employees, balancing rising costs with the need to maintain financial sustainability. This guide is designed to assist these entities in evaluating whether joining a health benefit consortium is a suitable option, offering insights into cost-saving strategies, plan options, and the complex decision-making process involved in health benefits purchasing. With the backdrop of increasing healthcare costs and evolving regulations, it provides public officials with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions about their health benefit plans and explore the potential benefits of collaborative purchasing through consortia.
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Adapting to the Changing Health Insurance Landscape: A Look at the Use and Effects of Health Benefit Consortia by Public Entities in Ohio
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Joshua Filla, Kimberly Laurene, Kathryn Bland, Marissa Bland, Thomas Pascarella, Heather Mikulski, Matthew Stefanak
Prepared: 2016
As health insurance costs continue to rise, public entities in Ohio are increasingly turning to health benefit consortia to manage expenses and ensure the sustainability of employee benefits. This report provides an overview of how various public entities, including school districts, counties, and municipalities, are utilizing consortia to purchase health benefits. It discusses the changing health insurance landscape, driven by the Affordable Care Act, and the potential benefits of collaborative purchasing, such as cost savings and enhanced benefits. It also outlines the challenges, including coordination issues and limitations on membership flexibility, that public entities face when participating in consortia.
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2015 Portage County Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: The Portage County Community Health Assessment Partnership and Center for Public Policy and Health
Prepared: 2015
The Portage County Community Health Assessment (CHA) brings together public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to identify and address key health needs in the community. The assessment, which builds on three previous health surveys, highlights 46 substantiated health needs across nine broad areas, including mental health, access to care, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and cancer. The findings will inform the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address priority health issues in Portage County and guide future public health initiatives.
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Stark County, OH System of Care: Strategic Planning Project
Authors: Center for Public Policy and Health and College of Public Health
Prepared: 2015
The Stark County System of Care Strategic Plan aims to create a coordinated, culturally competent continuum of care for youth and families facing mental health and other challenges. Targeting youth ages 11-21, the plan focuses on family-driven, youth-guided services, addressing needs such as multi-system involvement and at-risk behaviors. The plan includes strategies in treatment, cultural competence, prevention, resiliency, and social marketing, developed through a participatory process involving over 160 stakeholders.
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An Action Plan for Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Health Services in Portage County
Authors: Josh Filla and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2014
Portage County has made significant progress in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local health services through a 2013 Local Government Innovation Fund grant. Key accomplishments include the consolidation of the Ravenna and Portage County Health Departments and steps toward health department accreditation, with additional action plans for continued progress outlined for the future.
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City-County Proportions of Local Public Health Funding Among Recently Consolidated County Local Health Departments (LHDs) in Ohio
Authors: Nishikant Kamble, Josh Filla, Matthew Stefanak, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2014
Consolidating local health departments in Ohio has led to varying cost-sharing arrangements between cities and counties. This analysis reveals that smaller cities typically contribute less to public health expenses than their population share, while larger cities often pay a proportionate or greater amount. For a deeper look at how these cost-sharing models work in practice, read the full findings.
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Contractual Mechanisms for Determining City Shares of Local Public Health Services in Recently Consolidated Local Health Departments (LHD)s
Authors: Nishikant Kamble, Josh Filla, Matthew Stefanak, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2014
In Ohio, cities and counties have different approaches for determining how much each contributes to the costs of public health services after a health department consolidation. The analysis identifies three primary mechanisms used: property valuation assessments, negotiated fixed dollar amounts, and per capita payments. To understand how these funding models are applied in practice, explore the full findings.
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Evaluation Workgroup Report: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sharing Public Health Services Project Building Public Health Capacities through Collaboration: Accelerating Progress in Northeast Ohio
Authors: The Center for Public Policy and Health
Prepared: 2014
Portage County is making strides toward improving public health services through collaboration among its three health departments, driven by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sharing Public Health Services Project. Key efforts include evaluating existing partnerships, expanding mosquito abatement and vital statistics services, and working towards Public Health Accreditation Board certification. The full report outlines progress made and offers recommendations for further strengthening these collaborative efforts in the county.
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Financing Public Health Services in Marion County: A Review of Relevant Data and Targeted Recommendations to Assist Decision-Making
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Josh Filla, Matthew Stefanak, Thomas Pascarella, and Nishikant Kamble
Prepared: 2014
Marion County is navigating important decisions around the funding and management of its consolidated health department, focusing on city-county share distribution and carryover fund practices. Key findings suggest that the city should adopt a population-based method for determining funding shares and develop a clear policy for managing reserve balances. This report provides targeted recommendations aimed at easing the transition and ensuring long-term sustainability in the county’s public health financing.
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Marion Public Health: Investing in a Healthy Community
Authors:: John Hoornbeek, Josh Filla, Matt Stefanak, Tom Pascarekka, and Nishikant Kamble
Prepared: 2014
Marion County is refining its approach to financing public health services with a focus on fair distribution between the city and county. Data suggests adopting a population-based funding model and recommends separating costs for services provided solely to the City of Marion. Additionally, researchers emphasize the importance of establishing clear policies for managing reserve funds to better prepare for future financial challenges, such as public health emergencies.
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Strategy and Action Plan Workgroup Report: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sharing Public Health Services Project Building Public Health Capacities through Collaboration Accelerating Progress in Northeast Ohio
Authors: Center for Public Policy and Health
Prepared: 2014
The Strategy and Action Plan (SAP) Workgroup in Portage County is creating a roadmap for achieving Public Health Accreditation by completing the required Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Their work, which began in 2013, includes strategies to improve public health services, engage stakeholders, and ensure efficient service delivery across the county. This report provides an update on the progress of these initiatives and their ongoing implementation efforts.
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Consolidation of Local Health Departments in Ohio: Motivations and Impacts
Authors: Michael Morris, Matt Stefanak, Josh Filla, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2013
Since 2001, 20 Local Health Departments (LHDs) in Ohio have consolidated, driven largely by goals of reducing costs and improving services. The results show a 13% decrease in per capita public health expenditures without increasing local tax burdens. While there were some service losses and temporary drops in nonlocal funding, most health officials (88%) viewed the consolidations positively, citing cost savings and improved public health outcomes.
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Policy Brief-Consolidation of Local Health Departments in Ohio: Motivations and Impacts
Authors: Matt Stefanak, Josh Filla, John Hoornbeek, and Michael Morris
Prepared: 2013
Local health department consolidations in Ohio, occurring since 2001, have been driven by the goals of reducing costs and improving service delivery. Analysis of data from 17 of these mergers revealed a 13.9% reduction in per capita expenditures, with no increased tax burden on counties. While some service losses and staffing changes were noted, nearly 90% of health officials reported that the consolidations were beneficial in their cases.
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2013 Portage County Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: Elizabeth James, Josh Filla, Ken Slenkovich, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2013
The Kent State Center for Public Policy and Health collaborated with public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to identify key health needs in the county. Building on previous assessments, the Portage County Community Health Assessment identified 46 health needs across nine areas, including mental health, chronic disease prevention, and access to care. This report lays the foundation for the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) aimed at addressing these needs and improving public health in the region.
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Consolidating Health Departments in Summit County, Ohio: A One Year Retrospective
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Aimee Budnik, Tegan Beechey, and Josh Filla
Prepared: 2012
Summit County's consolidation of three health agencies into Summit County Public Health (SCPH) in 2011 has yielded initial success, including $1.5 million in cost savings. Despite facing significant challenges such as integrating employees, overhauling technology systems, and merging organizational cultures, SCPH has made notable progress in establishing new strategic directions and improving financial stability. While the full impact on service delivery and public health capacities will take time to assess, stakeholders remain optimistic that consolidation will lead to long-term improvements in public health services.
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Sustain a Greener Ohio - Stormwater Management: Improving Effectiveness and Efficiency through Collaborative GIS Services
Authors: Tegan Beechey, John Hoornbeek, Matt Flemming, and Heather Sell
Prepared: 2012
Stark County's collaborative effort to meet federal stormwater management mandates has resulted in significant progress despite funding challenges. A group of local communities, led by the Stark County Regional Planning Commission (SCRPC), developed a shared approach to mapping stormwater systems, saving approximately $700,000. This project not only helps municipalities comply with environmental regulations but also enhances emergency response capabilities and safeguards local water resources, proving the power of intergovernmental cooperation in tackling complex public works challenges.
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247 Collaborative Actions and Ideas by County
Authors: Center for Public Policy and Health
Prepared: 2011
The Center for Public Administration and Public Policy at Kent State University has been tracking collaborative efforts among local governments in Northeastern Ohio, identifying innovative ways they are sharing resources, merging services, and cutting costs. This report highlights the most common collaborative projects in areas like public safety, economic development, and public works, offering insights into how local governments are improving efficiency and effectiveness. Explore the full report to learn more about these impactful collaborations and the future of shared services in the region.
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EfficientGovNow 1.0 Project Case Studies
Authors: Center for Public Policy and Health
Prepared: 2011
EfficientGovNow 1.0 Is a combination of environmental and govermental efficency case studies to create a combined research data base aimed to improve governmental policies. Read these project case studies to understand how we can be better serving our community.
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Rollin' on the River
Authors: Tom Pascarella, Matthew Flemming, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2011
Rollin' on the River is a collaborative project that aims to drive economic development as cost effectively as possible. As communities work together toward this joint effort, they lay the groundwork for continuous partnership and commitment.
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Building E-Government Capacities Survey- Final Report
Authors: Kent Sowards, Brian Kelley, and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2010
This survey on local e-government capacities in Northeast Ohio reveals that while many local governments have embraced websites for improved communication and service delivery, challenges remain. The most common barriers include lack of financial resources and technology staff, with nearly half of respondents citing these as significant obstacles. Despite these challenges, respondents reported positive benefits such as improved government communication and increased efficiency, though some also expressed concerns about e-government depersonalizing services or not meeting expectations.
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Cities and Villages - The Journal of the Ohio Municipal League
Authors: Josh Filla and John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2010
The Great Recession has severely impacted Ohio’s local governments, with a record number placed on the fiscal emergency list by 2010. As state budget deficits rise, municipalities face tough financial decisions, often resorting to cuts in services and staffing. However, collaboration between local governments offers a promising solution, enabling cost savings, improved services, and stronger communities through innovative partnerships.
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Local Government Collaboration in Ohio: Are We Walking the Walk or Just Talking the Talk?
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Kerry Macomber, Melissa Phillips, Sayantani Satpathi, and Graduate Research Assistants
Prepared: 2009
Local government collaboration in Ohio is growing, driven by goals of economic development, service improvement, and efficiency. Survey results show positive impacts, but challenges remain in identifying successful strategies and supporting these efforts. The report recommends steps to foster collaboration, including monitoring success, sharing knowledge, promoting cross-jurisdictional relationships, and exploring state incentives, to enhance continuous improvement and community empowerment.
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The University, Downtown Redevelopment, and Historic Preservation
Authors: Jera L. Oliver with Assistance from John Hoornbeek
Prepared: 2007
Kent State University plays a key role in the economic revitalization of Downtown Kent, emphasizing both physical redevelopment and human capital. Through service-learning programs, faculty expertise, and community engagement, the University can drive sustainable growth, fostering stronger connections between students, faculty, and local businesses.
Publications
Publications that cover topics on Public Health Management, Policy, and Administration.
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Using the Pathways Community HUB Care Coordination Model to Address Chronic Illnesses: A Case Study
Authors: Edward T. Chiyaka, John Hoornbeek, Joshua Filla, Mark Redding, Lynn Falletta, Lauren Birmingham, Pamela Ferguson
Year Published: 2019
Journal: Ohio Journal of Public Health
The Pathways Community HUB model, originally designed to support low-income pregnant women, has proven effective in addressing health risks among low-income adults with chronic diseases in Toledo/Lucas County. Over two years, the program successfully managed over half of 3,500 identified health and behavioral risks, despite challenges such as building community support and securing sustainable funding. Lessons learned from this implementation offer valuable insights for scaling up similar programs to improve health outcomes for at-risk populations.
Available at: https://ojph.org/article/id/5192/
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Economic Disparities: SPARK Ohio and Narrowing the Kindergarten Readiness Gap.
Authors: Deric R. Kenne, Rebecca Fischbein, Thomas A. DeLuca, Jennifer A. Bryant, Kimberly Laurene, Jessica L. Mulvany, Peter Leahy, Diane M. Banks
Year Published: 2018
Journal: Child Development Research
Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds generally scored lower on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment-Literacy (KRA-L), but those who participated in SPARK Ohio showed significant improvements. The program, which focuses on increasing parental engagement, appeared to narrow the readiness gap for these children, demonstrating its effectiveness in boosting early literacy outcomes.
Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/4383792
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Understanding Policy Problems: A Refinement of Past Work
Authors: John A Hoornbeek & B Guy Peters
Year Published: 2017
Journal: Policy and Society
By applying Guy Peters' framework for identifying policy problems to issues such as healthcare access, public health services, and water pollution, this study explores how the framework can guide policy design. The analysis highlights opportunities for refinement, offering insights that could improve the characterization of policy problems and enhance the development of effective solutions.
Available at: https://academic.oup.com/policyandsociety/article/36/3/365/6407934
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Fostering Local Government Collaboration: An Empirical Assessment of Case Studies in Northeast Ohio
Authors: John Hoornbeek , Tegan Beechey, and Tom Pascarella
Year Published: 2016
Journal: Journal of Urban Affairs
This analysis delves into local government collaborations in northeast Ohio, uncovering the factors that drive successful partnerships across policy sectors. Evidence from eight case studies reveals that external incentives and trust built through prior interactions consistently lead to goal attainment. The findings highlight the potential for interlocal collaborations to achieve meaningful outcomes within a few years, offering valuable insights for future governance strategies.
Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1111/juaf.12204
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The Impacts of Local Health Department Consolidation on Public Health Expenditures: Evidence from Ohio
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Michael Morris, Matthew Stefanak, Joshua Filla, Rohit Prodhan, and Sharla Smith
Year Published: 2015
Journal: American Journal of Public Health
Consolidating local health departments in Ohio reduced total expenditures by approximately 16% from 2001 to 2011, with no significant changes in administrative costs. Interviews with county health officials highlighted financial benefits and public health service improvements following these consolidations. These findings provide valuable insights into how organizational restructuring can address fiscal pressures while maintaining essential services.
Available at: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302450
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Small Communities and the Limits of E-Government Engagement?: A Northeast Ohio Case Study
Authors: John Hoornbeek, Kent Sowards, Brian Kelly
Year Published: 2012
Book Publisher: IGI Global
E-government engagement among small communities in northeast Ohio is constrained by limited capacities and uncertain demand for online services. This chapter in chapter in E-government and Citizen Engagement: Factors and Determinants of E-Democracy explores the factors influencing local governments’ decisions to create websites and develop them for citizen engagement, shedding light on the challenges that hinder the broader transformation of e-government and the inconsistent nature of such engagements.
Available for purchase at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/governance-civic-engagement/51931
