How We Chose
Healthy Virginians 2010 Objectives: PDF File | Word Document
The choice of the key objectives for Virginia for this decade was based on a review of both national and State criteria. Of the 77 objectives being recommended in Virginia for consideration, 21 were used at the national level to evaluate progress related to them throughout the country. By focusing on these carefully selected objectives in Virginia, we hoped to improve our rank in comparison to all other states. (Click here for more information on the national Leading Health Indicators and these nationwide objectives.)
The Healthy Virginians 2010 Advisory Team also recommended that additional objectives be chosen on the basis of criteria that are relevant to the State's health-related needs. Not every criterion needs to apply to each objective and some criteria will be more important than others for a particular objective. The suggested criteria were:
- Prevention-Oriented
Objectives should be prevention-oriented and should address improvements that can be achieved through population-based and health-service interventions.
- Scientific Evidence
Objectives must be supported by sound scientific evidence.
- Measurable
Objectives should be measurable and include a range of measures — health outcomes, behavioral and health science interventions, and community capacity — directed toward improving health outcomes and quality of life. They should count assets and achievements and look to the positive. Data should already be available or should be developed no later than 2004.
- High Mortality
Objectives should address those issues that are related to high mortality rates and where effective interventions could contribute to increased life expectancy.
- High Morbidity/Cost
Objectives should seek to improve health-related quality of life by addressing issues that significantly impair individuals' ability to attain this and that impose inordinate financial burdens on them and/or the health care system.
- High Disparity
Objectives should address those issues where there are significant health disparities among different segments of the population. These include differences that occur by race or ethnicity, age, gender, education, income, disability, sexual orientation, or geographic location.
- High Impact Potential
Objectives should be selected that have the potential for positively impacting a particular problem or concern in a significant manner.
- Stakeholders Available
Objectives should be supported by individuals and organizations in both the public and private sectors that are knowledgeable regarding key issues and that are willing to work together to address them.
Using both these national and State criteria, we proposed a total of 77 objectives under 24 focus areas. Under each focus area the suggested objectives were listed as Recommended and/or Alternate. These objectives were considered the most important to the health and well-being of Virginians.
