What is a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)?

Written By Katie Zautke

A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a strategic roadmap developed by public health departments, hospitals, and community stakeholders to address the most pressing health needs identified through a Community Health Assessment (CHA). CHIPs are action-oriented plans that guide health improvement efforts over several years, typically three to five.

They outline:

  • Key health priorities

  • Measurable goals

  • Evidence-based strategies

  • Responsible organizations

  • Timelines and performance metrics

Ultimately, a CHIP translates community data into collective action.

Why a CHIP is Important?

A CHIP is more than just a planning document — it’s a catalyst for change. It is essential for:

Aligning Community Efforts

CHIPs bring together diverse partners like health systems, nonprofits, schools, and local governments. This ensures coordinated action across sectors to avoid duplication and maximize impact.

Improving Public Health Outcomes

By addressing root causes like housing, food insecurity, and chronic disease prevention, CHIPs tackle issues that directly influence community wellbeing.

Promoting Health Equity

CHIPs use disaggregated data to focus efforts on populations disproportionately affected by health disparities.

Meeting Accreditation and Regulatory Standards

Public health departments use CHIPs to meet PHAB (Public Health Accreditation Board) standards. Nonprofit hospitals use CHIPs to fulfill IRS Community Benefit requirements.

Attracting Funding

Grantmakers often require evidence of a strategic plan like a CHIP before funding community health initiatives.

How a CHIP Improves Community Health

A well-executed CHIP provides a blueprint for lasting change. Here's how:

1. Focuses on Evidence-Based Priorities

Using CHA data, CHIPs ensure that actions target real, documented needs—such as rising mental health issues, substance use, or maternal mortality.

2. Implements Actionable Strategies

Each goal includes specific, measurable objectives and assigned accountability, making it easier to track progress and adapt as needed.

3. Fosters Collaboration

CHIPs often include a steering committee or coalition representing multiple community sectors. This leads to shared ownership and collective impact.

4. Monitors Progress Over Time

With built-in performance indicators, stakeholders can assess what’s working, what’s not, and where to adjust efforts.

5. Drives Long-Term Systems Change

Beyond treating symptoms, CHIPs aim to shift systems—improving access, removing barriers, and strengthening community resilience.

How Metopio Helps Power Better Community Health Improvement Plans

Creating and managing a CHIP requires access to timely, reliable data and the ability to turn that data into meaningful action. That’s where Metopio delivers unique value.

1. Access to Insightful Data for Smarter Decisions

Metopio provides access to thousands of datasets covering:

  • Social determinants of health

  • Population health indicators

  • Environmental and economic data

  • Local-level insights (ZIP code, census tract)

This makes it easy to identify priorities with clarity and precision.

2. Visualizations That Drive Engagement

Create easy-to-understand maps, dashboards, and charts that bring data to life. These visuals:

  • Improve stakeholder engagement

  • Strengthen presentations to decision-makers

  • Boost community understanding and trust

3. The Ability to Track Metrics Over Time

Monitor your CHIP’s goals and key indicators in real-time, allowing for adaptive strategies and evidence-based reporting.

4. Seamlessly Facilitated Collaboration

Metopio enables cross-sector users—public health, healthcare, nonprofits—to access a shared platform and work from a single source of truth.

5. Data That’s Customized to Your Community

Metopio supports hyperlocal storytelling, letting users tailor insights for different geographies, populations, or sectors.

How Metopio Supports Key Stakeholders

For Public Health Departments:

  • Develop CHIPs that meet PHAB standards

  • Easily track health equity indicators

  • Facilitate data-sharing with community partners

For Hospitals & Health Systems:

  • Align CHIPs with Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs)

  • Guide community benefit strategies

  • Demonstrate impact for accreditation and public reporting

For Community-Based Organizations:

  • Use CHIP data to design programs and apply for funding

  • Identify underserved areas and populations

  • Collaborate more effectively with health systems

Turning Plans into Progress

A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a vital tool to guide strategic, data-informed action that leads to better health outcomes, greater equity, and stronger communities. But creating an effective CHIP doesn’t have to be difficult.

With Metopio, you get access to:

  • Trusted data

  • Actionable insights

  • Collaboration tools

  • Clear visualization and reporting

These features make it easier to move from assessment to action — and from plans to progress.

Ready to transform your community health strategy? Explore Metopio’s platform and see how we help you build smarter CHIPs with greater impact.

Katie Zautke
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