OPT 323 Local Public Health

What is the mission of nearly all state departments of health?

protect, promote, and improve the health and prosperity of people in (state)

When did legislation create the Tennessee Dept of Health?

1923 - many years after the Yellow Fever outbreak in Memphis 1878

What are some examples of "old disease" surveillance/reporting in Tennessee?

1941 polio outbreak

1943 last reported case of smallpox

1950 whooping cough

1955 measles

1960 infectious hepatitis

What are some examples of "new disease" surveillance/reporting in Tennessee?

1982 AIDS reporting begins

1992 HIV reporting begins

2002 West Nile Virus reported

2019 COVID

True or False: Overall, in the 20th century, TB deaths decreased dramatically in Tennessee.

true

While it largely differs from state to state, what are some typical State Health Dept responsibilities?

screening children for disease

immunizing children

prenatal care to pregnant women

safety net of care in underserved populations

assuring restaurants, hotels, health facilities/professionals meet established requirements/standards

Recall: what are the 3 core functions of public health?

assessment

policy development

assurance

What is a local health department?

administrative or service unit of local/state government concerned with health and carrying some responsibility for the health of a jurisdiction smaller than the state

What are some roles of the local health department?

track/investigate health problems and hazards

prepare for/respond to public health emergencies

develop, apply, enforce policies, laws and regulations that improve health and ensure safety

lead efforts to mobilize communities around important health issues

link people to health services = may not actually have the services on site!

educates community about health issues

True or False: most local health deparments tend to serve smaller communities.

true

Most local health departments serve which type of geographical jurisdiction?

county

ex) Shelby County Health Dept

Do local or state governments have most of the governmental authority over local health departments?

local is most common (decentralized)

Over 75% of local health departments have what types of employees?

administrative personnel

RN's

environmental health workers

public health managers

emergency preparedness staff

Over 25% of local health departments have what types of employees?

health educator

nutritionist

LPNs

community health worker

public health physician

nursing/home health aide

epidemiologist

lab worker

behavioral health professional

oral health professional

IT

On average, it costs about how much per capita to fund a local health department?

$50 give or take

What are some typical Local Health Dept services?

immunizations such as routine vaccinations, COVID

screening for diseases/conditions such as TB, STDs, HIV

treatment for communicable disease

maternal and child health services

epidemiology and surveillance

primary prevention in population = smoking, nutrition, etc

regulation/inspection/licensing of restaurants, schools, septic systems, lead

environmental health services

What are some rare/unlikely Local Health Dept services?

other clinical services (MORE RARE/UNLIKELY) like oral health, home health, substance abuse, behavioural/mental health, primary care, emergency care

True or False: optometry is often provided directly by Local Health Departments.

false

According to the CDC, what proportion of children in the US have high levels of lead in their blood?

1 in 22 due to dust, paint, soil, water, food (can't smell/taste/see lead)

Are local health departments that serve large or small populations more likely to respond to an "all-hazard" emergency event?

large popualations

What is the most common "all-hazard" emergency event that local health departments respond to?

infectious disease outbreak (non-flu)

natural disaster

food-borne outbreak

What is a local board of health?

governing “boards” for public health on the local level = roughly 7 people (often appointed, often healthcare workers) establish the local public health context for their jurisdiction by providing local public health vision, mission, and advocacy and by encouraging community involvement in selecting public health priorities

The local board of health serves as a link between what 2 groups?

local health department

AND

local community orgs = elected officials, gov agencies, healthcare providers, non-profits, hospitals, business, faith-based orgs

What are the main functions of the local board of health?

advise on policies, programs, budgets

set policies, goals, priorities

adopt/oversee public health regulations

approve budgets

set/impose fees

True or False: all local health departments have a local board of health.

false - only 75% do

Do most local boards of health have governing authority or an advisory role regarding the local health dept?

2/3 have governing authority