KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A plan to improve the health of Kings County residents is underway, the Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) announced Tuesday. According to the KCDPH, the 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) will serve as a strategic guide to bring forward community-focused initiatives, such as policy development, advocacy and program planning. Through a thorough Community Health Assessment health officials say they identified key health priorities and assessed the overall health status of the service area. The top five health needs of Kings County are: Access to healthcare Food insecurity Environmental exposures Chronic diseases Maternal, infant, and child health The health department says the CHIP will use this information to bring together local organizations and the community to improve the health of residents in Kings County. “The KCDPH is dedicated to promoting the health of Kings County residents by working together with local organizations and community partners to ensure that all residents have the best health outcomes possible,” said Director of KCDPH Rose Mary Rahn. The KCDPH announced the program launched on Tuesday.