Using What Works for Health to inform health policies in Ohio

For over 20 years, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) has been working to advance evidence-informed policies that improve health and promote equity across the state. As a trusted source for state and local policymakers, HPIO uses data and research to guide decisions that shape the health and well-being of Ohioans. One of the tools they rely on is County Health Rankings & Roadmaps’ What Works for Health (WWFH).

WWFH is a free, user-friendly database of over 400 evidence-informed strategies to enhance health and reduce health disparities. Each strategy is rated for its effectiveness and over half include an equity analysis. Users can search the database by topic or keyword and find clear summaries, implementation examples and equity-focused guidance. Or, they can ask “Evi,” WWFH’s AI tool.  

Amy Rohling McGee, HPIO’s president, calls WWFH her “first stop” when looking for strategies to include in reports, plans and grant proposals. HPIO has used WWFH in a wide range of projects, including: 

• Plans created with the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Aging
• Policy briefs on water and air quality
• Ohio’s suicide prevention plan
• Briefs on health-related social needs 

In each case, WWFH has helped HPIO identify strategies that are not only effective but also backed by evidence. “We never doubt the quality and rigor of the process used to create WWFH,” said Rohling McGee. “It’s solid.”

HPIO relies on the credibility of the information selected and synthesized by WWFH’s evidence analysts. And CHR&R values and benefits from collaboration with HPIO and their partners. Ongoing feedback and conversation shapes the program’s work. For example, one of HPIO’s community partners brought a strategy to the WWFH team and advocated for its inclusion in the database. And Rohling McGree has provided expertise through CHR&R’s Scientific Advisory Group.  

WWFH makes it easier to find reliable data and proven strategies—especially for smaller organizations with limited staff capacity. WWFH will remain online through December 2026, until funding from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ends. HPIO staff say that developing evidence-informed plans and recommendations for policymakers will be much more difficult without CHR&R and WWFH. CHR&R is exploring options to adapt, transfer or archive WWFH content so that communities can access the information going forward.

Visit What Works for Health to explore strategies that can make a difference in your community.