Bringing sectors together to advance health
Communities are organized in sectors—distinct parts or spheres of activity—such as housing, education, business, transportation, and more. One facet of a health department's community work is bringing together representatives from multiple sectors, to maximize their contributions to the health of our communities and the people who live in them.
Alone, health departments cannot create the social and economic conditions needed for health, but they can convene cross-sector partnerships and conversations.
Working across sectors takes many forms, from simply sharing information to collaborating on new projects or adopting shared goals, measures, and resources. This work requires a foundation of trust, mutuality, and reciprocity. This is particularly important when taking a health-informed policy approach with health equity as the goal.
Tips for successfully building cross-sectoral partnerships to advance health
Build trust between members
- Structure meetings to provide opportunities for member interaction
- Create working groups for members to work together
- Lift up the value of each partner's contribution to the complex problem
- Don't let each sector's specialized language be a barrier to communication
Consider the sectors needed for the partnership, and recruit members over time
- Understand each sector's interest
- Consider a representative and alternative from any particular sector, to create continuity of participation
Be clear on the purpose of the partnership
- You may need to revise your purpose periodically
Invite members into small and large actions
- Create opportunities to succeed together on small actions
- Ask members to reflect on how cross-sectoral work influences work within their own institution or sector
- Recognize all actions as building blocks to larger accomplishments