While this Menu of Systems Change Strategies offers evidence-based and -informed options for communities, it is important to note that the menu is not comprehensive. Communities should consider other evidence-based systems change strategies to address their specific needs, especially as new research emerges.
When researching alternative options, it is suggested that communities ensure strategies meet the following criteria:
Strong evidence of impact (based in theoretical model or direct evaluation of impact)
Population-based (addressing the community or societal levels of the socioecological model)
Primary prevention (addressing upstream factors like risk and protective factors and the social determinants of health)
Focus on equitable systems changes that reduce health disparities
A note to communities implementing a shared risk and protective factor approach to prevention using CDPHE funding: If your community identifies an evidence-based primary prevention strategy not listed on the Menu of Systems Change Strategies, you are required to receive approval from CDPHE prior to implementing. CDPHE will work with communities considering other systems change strategies (not individual programs) that are not listed on this site to ensure they are evidence-informed and appropriately meet community needs. For an alternative strategy to be approved for funding, it must meet the criteria discussed above. Additionally, evidence of community capacity to implement the strategy must be demonstrated, and a clear plan for evaluating the effectiveness of implementation must be made. To formally request approval to implement a strategy outside of the Menu of Systems Change Strategies, talk to your CTC Coach and request the “Innovative Strategy Submission Proposal”. If the proposal is accepted, CDPHE strongly encourages consultation with the evaluation technical assistance team to ensure that a suitable evaluation plan is in place.