MAPP Process | Power of Prevention

“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford

What is MAPP?

Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) is a strategic approach to community health improvement. This tool helps communities improve health and quality of life through community-wide strategic planning. Using MAPP, communities seek to achieve optimal health by identifying and using their resources wisely, taking into account their unique circumstances and needs, and forming effective partnerships for strategic action.

The MAPP tool was developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) in cooperation with the Public Health Practice Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A work group composed of local health officials, CDC representatives, community representatives, and academicians developed MAPP between 1997 and 2000. The vision for implementing MAPP is:

“Communities achieving improved health and quality of life by mobilizing partnerships and taking strategic action.”

The following seven principles are integral to the successful implementation of MAPP:

Systems thinking — to promote an appreciation for the dynamic interrelationship of all components of the local public health system required to develop a vision of a healthy community.

Dialogue — to ensure respect for diverse voices and perspectives during the collaborative process.

Shared vision — to form the foundation for building a healthy future.

Data — to inform each step of the process.

Partnerships and collaboration — to optimize performance through shared resources and responsibility.

Strategic thinking — to foster a proactive response to the issues and opportunities facing the system.

Celebration of successes — to ensure that contributions are recognized and to sustain excitement for the process.

For a full explanation of the process please visit the official website.