The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73812

Carl W. Wilson, MPH¹, Willis, Jr. R. Bradwell, MBA², Fern Johnson-Clarke, PhD¹, Robert L. Cosby, PhD³, and Vincent R. Nathan, PhD, MPH⁴. (1) State Center for Health Statistics Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 2100, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 442-5865, cwilson@dchealth.com, (2) Health Information and Business Systems Division, Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 2103, Washington, DC 20002, (3) Medical Assistance Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capital Street, N.E., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002, (4) Environmental Health Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, 51 N Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20002

State and local health department infrastructures require continuous development and upgrading in order to handle new public health demands. Environmental and public health functions have undergone significant change over the past ten years but their infrastructures have been slow to change. Out dated infrastructures need reengineering with power tools that can make a strategic difference.

The District of Columbia Department of Health has used a best practice approach to reengineer several core health functions. Core functions such as vital records, information technology, health systems planning, medical records and health statistics have been have been revitalized using basic tools obtained from other state and federal agencies.

This session will discuss how the application of the right tools, at the appropriate time, cannot only strengthen the infrastructure but can also create opportunities for obtaining additional resources.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to:
• Identify important tools for reengineering the public health infrastructure.
• Discuss practical examples of the effectiveness of these tools.
• Examine the impact of these tools using the District of Columbia as an example.

Related Web page: dchealth@dc.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: District of Columbia Department of Health
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.