The Chemical Health Initiative of Goodhue County was created to apply science-based prevention strategies using the Strategic Prevention Framework model. That is, the CHI utilizes the process of assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation and evaluation to accomplish its mission of enhancing the quality of life for citizens and families living in Goodhue County.

The Strategic Prevention Framework model requires that evaluation processes and procedures be building into all initiatives so that short-term and long-term outcomes can be tracked. With this tracking mechanism integrated into its operations, the CHI is able to determine whether or not quality of life is actually improving across the county.

How do we know if we're making a difference? Our Community Impact Indicators will provide the answer.

Selecting appropriate indicators

Strategy is an essential tool needed to address substance use problems. The CHI's operational strategy follows the guidelines of Drug-Free Community Grantee protocols: multiple strategies across multiple sectors. By planning and implementing various policies, practices and programs across all sectors of community life, the CHI intends to reduce the harmful and negative consequences of underage drinking and illegal drug use in Goodhue County.

The indicators selected for the CHI Community Impact Indicator Evaluation process reflect measurements in the following areas:
Availability/Environment
Use
Criminal Justice
Harm
Prevention

Identifying Outcomes

The indicators chosen by the CHI will paint a broad picture of the local impact of substance use across all communities in Goodhue County. In order to identify long-term outcomes, the indicator survey must be generated each year and presented to the Goodhue County community for review and analysis. The CHI indicator reporting program is a long-term commitment. A report will be prepared and provided to the public annually.