Introduction
Purpose and Goals of the Project
The ultimate goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of Polk County residents by addressing the behavioral health needs in the community . To accomplish this goal , several components need to be simultaneously achieved .
• Develop a comprehensive behavioral health strategic plan and behavioral health system access and process mapping .
• Identify system / resources that are valued and working well ; help determine how they may work together more efficiently .
• Identify and prioritize system gaps and community needs .
• Engage a broad set of stakeholders ; build consensus around results and actions .
• Use resources more efficiently – focusing on a finite set of objectives , establishing a timeline for results , “ work with the willing ” to achieve results .
Community Engagement and Partners
Polk Vision includes a community-driven leadership team that provides project oversight , feedback regarding perceptions of area health needs , data evaluation , and other guidance throughout the process . These individuals have a breadth of community health visions , knowledge , and power to impact the well-being of the service area . The Leadership Group includes the following members :
• Kim Long , Polk Vision
• Holly Vida , Central Florida Health Care
• Alice Nuttall , Lakeland Regional Health
• Joy Johnson , Polk County Board of County Commissioners
• Andrea Clontz , Polk County Board of County Commissioners
• Joy Jackson , MD , Florida Department of Health – Polk County
• Cathy Hatch , Polk County Board of County Commissioners
• Vicky Santamaria , AdventHealth
• Stephanie Arguello , AdventHealth
• Lisa Bell , BayCare
• Christy Olsen , Polk County Public Schools
• Julianne Ortman , Polk County Sheriff ’ s Office
• Kirsten Sheehan , Polk Vision
In addition to the above , many others representing various organizations attend the weekly calls as well .