Factors affecting evidence-based decision making in local health departments.

Background: Data indicating the extent to which evidence-based decision making (EBDM) is used in local health departments (LHDs) are limited.

Purpose: This study aims to determine use of decision-making processes by New York State LHD leaders and upper-level staff and identify facilitators and barriers to the use of EBDM in LHDs.

Methods: The New York Public Health Practice-Based Research Network implemented a mixed-methods study in 31 LHDs.

The process to develop a meaningful community health assessment in New York State.

Conducting and producing a meaningful Community Health Assessment (CHA) is an important and essential public health service and a mandatory biennial activity for New York State's (NYS) Local Health Departments. The Assessment Initiative project has allowed the NYS Department of Health to better understand and identify strategies to strengthen CHAs and to develop training, education, and technical assistance programs. The Assessment Initiative project has benefited from participation, coordination, and sharing of resources and expertise with other community health improvement initiatives in NYS, including those that emphasize collaborative approaches to health improvement, workforce development, and expanding access to data.