San Luis Obispo County’s Public Health Department has released its latest Community Health Improvement Plan, which focuses on three specific priorities for improving overall health outcomes in the county. These priorities include mental health and substance use, healthy neighborhoods, and access to care. Dr. Penny Borenstein, the SLO County Public Health Officer, emphasized the importance of early identification and intervention for substance abuse and mental health issues to prevent further challenges.

The plan was developed based on data from a community health assessment conducted in August 2023, which received responses from nearly 4,000 individuals in the county. The assessment was conducted by SLO Health Counts, a collaboration of community members, nonprofits, and government agencies across the county. Adyan Nazmi, a member of the collaboration and a professor at Cal Poly, highlighted the significance of health and the need to create opportunities and structures that promote optimal health in the county.

Dr. Borenstein expressed her hopes for the county, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ongoing conversations with the community to work towards health improvements. By leveraging the resources and capabilities of community partners, organizations, and educational institutions like Cal Poly, the Community Health Improvement Plan aims to drive positive change and enhance overall health outcomes in San Luis Obispo County.