Role of public health departments serving communities affected by Industrial Food Animal Production (IFAP): A framework using the ten essential services of public health

Background: As the nation rethinks the safety of the food supply, it is also critical to examine the role of public health agencies in protecting the public from the negative health effects associated with exposure to contaminants from Industrial Food Animal Production (IFAP) sites. This talk takes a preliminary look at what health departments are currently doing (and not doing) in these communities. A framework is presented that outlines appropriate roles for health departments and considers how such work could be funded.

Methods: We used key informant interviews, a small survey, and a review of relevant documents to gather information. The ten essential services of public health model was adapted to provide a framework outlining appropriate actions health departments could undertake including environmental public health tracking; educating; working with environmental and agricultural agencies at the federal, state, and local levels and other stakeholders; and conducting research.

Results: We describe case studies of health department efforts and present survey results describing current health department practices. The ten essential services framework is described. Survey results reflecting reactions to the draft framework are also presented.

Conclusion: Health departments have an essential role to play in protecting communities affected by IFAP. These roles include monitoring, communicating public health knowledge, informing decision-making, and collaborating on remediation activities. This framework can serve as a resource guide for health departments taking action to minimize the ill health effects of IFAP. It also has applicability for health departments serving communities facing other site-related environmental health threats.