According to the Public Health Accreditation Board's (PHAB's) glossary, a strategic plan sets the direction for the organization and, through a common understanding of the mission, vision, goals, and objectives, provides a template for all employees and stakeholders to make decisions that move the organization forward. The strategic plan document results from a deliberate decision-making process and defines where an organization is going.

NACCHO's 2010 National Profile of LHDs reported that 61% of LHDs do not have a completed agency strategic plan, one of the three prerequisites for PHAB accreditation. To address this gap, NACCHO has developed a how-to guide to aid LHDs in the strategic planning process and has scheduled several upcoming training opportunities.