About the Healthy Delta Initiative

Mission Statement:

It is the purpose of the DRA Health Advisory Committee to act in an advisory capacity by bringing attention to health issues and community needs and by making recommendations on policies and programs that can improve the health and wellbeing of the Delta citizens.   To this end the Advisory Committee is devoted to facilitating the exchange of ideas relative to making measurable improvements in the health of the citizens of the Delta region.

Value Statements:

We support the following guiding principles for efforts in the health arena:

Empowerment

Sustainability requires that local leadership be empowered to own their health issues and develop local solutions.

Local Determination/Local Effort

Similarly, local solutions should be driven by grassroots efforts so that programs are tailored to the unique needs of each area and local leadership is invested in the process and outcomes.

Accountability

All investments require accountability to ensure efficient and appropriate use of resources. Existing DRA programs require local agencies and partners to sign a contract to deliver promised outcomes or forfeit grant monies. A similar approach should be used with the health program to ensure realistic goals and responsible management of funds.

Coordination/Alignment

Building on its strengths as coordinator, facilitator and relationship-builder, the DRA should emphasize activities that leverage other federal, state, and local funding, bring together various agencies and groups with similar interests or responsibilities, compile and organize information on health needs, best practices, and available funding so that it is easily accessible for local leadership in the Delta, and work to eliminate fragmentation and duplication of federal, state and local efforts.

Monitoring and Updating

To ensure maximum relevance and impact, the DRA must continuously monitor and update the information it makes available and its communication and coordination methods.