The Community Health Action Partnership (CHAP) was formed to help community groups work together to address health issues in rural Iowa. CHAP is based in Keokuk County, an entirely rural county in southeast Iowa. CHAP members include local legislators, retailers, school district administrators, and other interested community members.

Partnership activities incorporate community-based participatory research, evidence-based strategies to address community health issues, and the evaluation of health promotion activities.  Within the partnership, several working groups have been created to address specific health concerns in the community. 

The goal of the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (YSAP) working group is to reduce the prevalence of underage alcohol consumption and to address social norms that often make underage drinking socially acceptable in rural areas.  Group activities have included working toward the passage of a statewide keg registration law, public service announcements during prom and graduation season, and working with teenagers to develop a peer mentoring program.

Members of the Health & Wellness working group have conducted several different community activities aimed at improving the nutrition and physical activity habits of Keokuk County residents. Current group activities include planning the construction of a hard-surfaced recreational trail and a program to recruit parents of little league football players to form a walking club during their children's practices. 

The Sigourney Healthy Environment Project (SHEP) was created in response to community concerns about dilapidation and housing code violations in the area.   In April, 2007, SHEP sponsored a community-wide clean up during which over 35 volunteers collected nearly 300 pounds of litter and garbage along four pre-determined routes.  Group members are currently working with communtiy residents and local organizations to remove dilapidated and junk cars and farm equipment from area properties.