Chair File: Exchanging Ideas to Improve Community Health

Improving the health of communities where people live, work and play is more important than ever. In early 2017, the AHA's Association for Community Health Improvement (ACHI) convenes its annual conference, bringing together professionals in community health, community benefit and population health to learn from health experts and exchange ideas. “Elevating Impact Together” is the theme for this year's conference, set for March 9-11 in Denver. Seven topic tracks focus on improving health through community collaborations; preventing disease, fostering resilience and addressing the social determinants of health; demonstrating the impact of community development in changing the context of people's lives to improve health; using technology to support population health; developing the business case for population and community health; sharing innovative examples for measuring and evaluating population health improvement initiatives; and engaging the community. Early-bird registration for the conference is open through December 31.

Visit the ACHI website at www.healthycommunities.org/achi2017 for registration and conference information, as well as resources and tools on improving community and population health.