Local Public Health Assessment & Planning

Central MN Alliance (CMA)

The Central Minnesota Alliance (CMA) is a partnership between Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties and CentraCare, established in 2018 to strengthen regional community health planning. CMA partners work together to complete community health assessments and improvement plans.

What is the Community Health Survey?

The Community Health Survey gathers data about the health of adults across the region. Surveys were conducted in 2013, 2016, 2021, and most recently in 2024. In 2024, a convenience electronic survey was conducted across all three counties.

2024 Community Health Survey Highlights

What is the Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan (CHNA & CHIP)?

Every five years, public health agencies are required to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and develop a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). These efforts identify health priorities and guide coordinated community action.

2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan & Community Health Needs Assessment

Former Community Health Planning Documents

• Central MN Alliance CHIP CHNA 2022-2025 (PDF)
• 2021 Community Health Survey Data Books & Highlights
  • Benton County Mailed Survey Databook (PDF)
  • Region Mailed Survey Databook (PDF)
  • Region Electronic Survey Databook (PDF)
  • St. Cloud Mailed Survey Databook (PDF)
  • Sherburne County Mailed Survey Databook (PDF)
  • Stearns County Mailed Survey Databook (PDF)
• 2016 Health Survey Results
• Community Health Data 2014 (PDF)
• 2013 Community Health Rural Survey Results (PDF)
• 2013 Community Health Whole Survey Results (PDF)

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic planning guides the direction of Benton County Public Health by establishing the department’s mission, vision, values, and the strategies to achieve them.

Strategic Plan Report 2020-2024 (PDF)