1.3 - Public Health Core Functions & Essential Services

What are the essential services under the Assessment core?

• Monitor health

• Diagnose and investigate

What are the essential services under the Policy Development core?

• Inform, educate, and empower

• Mobilize community partnership

• Develop policies

What are the essential services under the Assurance core?

• Evaluate

• Assure competent workforce

• Link to/provide care

• Enforce laws

Does research belong to one specific core group?

No, applies to all core groups

The revised Essential Public Health Services emphasizes more on…

Equity

What is Assessment?

Involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and using information to understand the health of a community

What is an example of an Assessment scenario?

Public health officials conducting surveys to gather data on the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease in a specific area

What is Policy Development?

The process of creating policies and plans that support the health of the population

What is an example of a Policy Development scenario?

Implementation of smoking bans in public areas

What is Assurance?

Involves making sure that essential health services are available and accessible to all individuals

What are examples of an Assurance scenario?

During a flu outbreak, public health agencies might set up vaccination clinics to ensure that everyone in the community has access to a flu vaccine

What is ES1: Assess and Monitor Population Health

Collecting and analyzing data to understand the health status of the populations

Ex: Monitoring rates of chronic diseases like diabetes can help identify communities at higher risk and guide resources allocation

What is ES2: Investigate, Diagnose, and Address Health Hazards and Root Causes

Identifying and responding to health threats

Ex: During an outbreak of a contagious disease, public health agencies investigate the source, implement control measures, and provide treatment to affected individuals

What is ES3: Communicate Effectively to Inform and Educate

Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health factors that influence it and how to improve it

Ex: Public health campaigns can raise awareness about important health issues such as benefit of vaccination or the danger of smoking

What is ES4: Strengthen, Support, and Mobilize Communities and Partnerships

Public health agencies work with local organizations, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop and implement health initiatives

Ex: A community coalition might work together to create safe walking paths to encourage physical activities

What is ES5: Create, Champion, and Implement Policies, Plans, and Laws

Public health agencies advocate for policies that promote health equity such as expanding access to health care or implementing smoke free laws

What is ES6: Utilize Legal and Regulatory Actions

Ensuring that applicate laws are equitably applied to protect the public’s health

Ex: Regulations on food safety ensure that food supply is safe and free from contaminants

What is ES7: Enable Equitable Access

Public health agencies work to remove barriers to care, such as providing transportation to healthcare facilities or offering services in multiple languages

What is ES8: Diverse and Skilled Workforce

Public health agencies invest in training and development to ensure that their staff have the knowledge and skill needed to address complex health issues

What is ES9: Improve and Innovate Through Evaluation, Research, and Quality Improvement

Public health agencies conduct research and evaluate programs to identify what works and what doesn’t

What is ES10: Build and Maintain a Strong Organizational Infrastructure for Public Health

Having necessary resources, technology, and system in place to support public health activities