Importance of SHA
The SHA tracks over 150 health indicators, collectively providing a comprehensive picture of the health status of Arkansans. It serves as the scientific foundation for both the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and the Agency’s Strategic Plan (SP). By analyzing these data, ADH can identify the most pressing public health issues and guide efforts to achieve optimal health and well-being for all residents of Arkansas.
National Standard & Measures
SHA is also a core requirement of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) and is essential for ADH to maintain its accredited status. Through accreditation, ADH demonstrated its ability to deliver the ten essential public health services in alignment with PHAB’s national standards and measures.
SHA Data Platform
SHA data is presented in a scorecard format developed in collaboration with Clear Impact Inc. The scorecard displays both historical and current data, enabling the observation and analysis of trends over time. Its digital format allows ADH to routinely update and maintain the data.
Data Chapters & Indicators
The SHA draws from a wide range of sources to collect data on health outcomes and behaviors, including risk and protective factors. Across its chapters, it includes more than 150 health indicators covering topics such as leading causes of death, infant and maternal mortality, obesity, tobacco use, and many other public health factors. The scorecard provides both graphical and tabular formats, illustrating historical trends and current health status.
SHA Committee and the Collaborative Process
The newly formed SHA Committee (2025) consists of 15 epidemiologists and five advisors, including ADH’s Chief Science Officer, Deputy Chief Science Officer, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The Committee aims to hold regular meetings to enhance the efficiency of the Clear Impact platform for data management and to strengthen its membership by incorporating expertise from diverse areas of public health and related fields.
Resources
- State Health Assessment Guidance and Resources
- Standards & Measures for Reaccreditation Version 2022
- Foundation Public Health Services