College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Term of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

College of Public Health

Committee Chair

Gulzar Shah

Committee Member 1

Linda Kimsey

Committee Member 2

Samuel Opoku

Abstract

This study presents a community health assessment and strategic planning process for the South Health District (SHD), a rural, multi-county public health district.  Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys and qualitative data from County Nurse Managers, County Boards of Health, and internal staff were integrated with secondary sources to identify community health priorities and organizational gaps.  Broad stakeholder engagement through surveys, SWOT workshops, and town-hall meetings ensured credibility and contextual relevance.

Findings revealed challenges in behavioral health, substance abuse, chronic disease, access to preventive services, transportation, workforce capacity, communication, and infrastructure.  Four strategic issues—Communication, Workforce Development and Retention, Purpose-Driven District, and Facilities and Infrastructure—were prioritized for their potential to strengthen organizational capacity and improve service delivery. Each issue was translated into SMART goals aligned with evidence-based public health practice, NACCHO and PHAB standards, and DrPH leadership competencies.

The study highlights the importance of systems thinking, structured strategic planning, and stakeholder-driven decision-making in resource-constrained rural health districts. Recommendations include implementing standardized communication protocols, workforce retention strategies, mission-driven organizational alignment, infrastructure improvements, and continuous quality improvement.  By demonstrating how applied research, leadership engagement, and evidence-based planning can drive sustainable organizational change, this project contributes to both public health practice and doctoral-level leadership development.

OCLC Number

1592134884

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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