The Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) of Bergen County is comprised of more than 50 community organizations, businesses, schools, hospitals and also private citizens that are stakeholders in the health of the county. There are currently three task forces (see side bar at left) staffed by volunteers from these organizations along with individuals all working toward creating a healthier Bergen County. CHIP members develop, implement and promote initiatives to improve the health and lives of people who live, work, or attend school in Bergen County. The CHIP of Bergen County has created a health needs assessment summary report for Bergen County, called the Community Health Improvement Plan (The CHIP Report). The CHIP oversees the implementation of this plan on an ongoing county-wide basis. Three organizations co-sponsor the CHIP. They are: the Bergen County Health Officers Society, comprised of Health Officers and Registered Environmental Health Specialists throughout Bergen County, the Bergen County Department of Health Services, a county-level governmental public health agency; and the Public Health Partnership of Bergen County, a volunteer coalition of Bergen County Health Officers. CHIP Vision: All people in Bergen County will have access to resources that enable them to reach optimum health, well being and quality of life, supported by a continually improving, clean, safe and economically sound community. Community stakeholders will collaborate to create and leverage resources to build a healthier Bergen County. CHIP Values:
1. Systems Thinking
2. Dialogue
3. Shared Vision
4. Data-based Assessment/Evaluation
5. Strategic Thinking
6. Action
7. Celebration of Successes
8. Partnerships