The functional infrastructure of a state or local health department extends well beyond the department itself, and includes portions of its state or local government, stakeholders, constituency groups, strategic partners and competitors at local, state and national levels. Infrastructure elements outside the health department are often major determinants of success or failure of the department, and major programs within the department. In addition, certain behavioral norms within the public health agency inappropriately limit us in ways that limit the success of our public health agencies.
This presentation will point out the ways in which the nationally endorsed ten "Essential Public Health Services: conflict with the mission of the public health agency as seen by the Governors, County Exxecutives and Mayors.
This presentation will then discuss how some of our traditional approaches to "evidence" and "statistical significance" inappropriately inhibit development of preventive services in community settings, and the implementation of preventive services in healthcare delivery settings.
Finally, suggestions will be offered as to steps we as a public health communitiy should take to address these policy, political, and infrastructure issues--if we are to most effectively pursue policy development and "assurance" as specified in The Future of Public Health and the Healthy People 2010 Objectives.
A reactor panel (consisting of representatives from a state health department, local heatlh department, academia, and the private sector), and extensive audience discussion will follow this presentation.
Learning Objectives: 1. Define how "Essential Public Health Services" conflict with the mission of the public health agencies. 2. Discussion on traditional approaches to public health that may inhibit development of preventive services in community settings. 3. Determine steps to take to address these policy, political and infrastructure issues
Keywords: Infrastructure, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.