Population Health Unit

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Population health refers to the overall health of a group of people, including health outcomes and factors that determine health, as well as the policies and actions that connect these components. The County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department endorses an approach to behavioral health that focuses on the health of the general population. The department is currently undergoing a transformation from a conventional behavioral health model to one based on population health principles. To advance this vision, BHS has continued to grow its Population Health Unit since its establishment in 2021, along with its unique scope on data-driven, preventative initiatives and efforts. Central to the operations of the unit is the consolidation of behavioral health data and the use of analytical tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral health situation in the county, including needs, strengths, outcomes, and disparities. This rich behavioral health data also enables the creation and implementation of novel programs and policies that address current trends and requirements. Since the unit’s inception, it has supported reports, served as data experts, and made recommendations on methodology and strategy for various workgroups and initiatives.