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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Traci L. Toomey, PhD, Sarah Tramel, Darin J. Erickson, PhD, and Gunna Kilian. School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, 612-626-9070, toomey@epi.umn.edu

Researchers have identified effective policies and programs for reducing various health related problems—yet few of these programs and policies have been widely implemented across communities and states. Local public health agencies (LPHAs) can help translate research findings into practice. However, we do not know whether LPHA leaders are using research-based information or the best way to transfer this information to them. LPHAs are governed by political bodies such as city councils, county boards of commissioners, or boards of health that set the priorities for their agencies; however, members of these bodies may or may not have a public health or medical background. Hence, governing bodies may depend upon directors of the LPHA to make recommendations about issues, programs, and policies, and directors of LPHAs may make priority recommendations based on information provided by departmental managers. Goals of this study included learning how priorities for policies and programs are set within a LPHAs and whether and how local public health agencies seek research information to guide their decisions. We mailed surveys to all directors, key managers, and members of governing bodies that set priorities and budgets for these agencies in Minnesota. Results of this study will inform dissemination efforts for research-based programs and policies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe use of research-based information by local elected officials and leaders of local public health agencies for their priority, policy, and programmatic decisions; (
• Strategize how to make research-based information more available to local elected officials and leaders of local public health agencies.

Keywords: Community Health Planning, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered