Public health systems are commonly defined as “all public, private, and voluntary entities that contribute to the delivery of essential public health services within a jurisdiction.” This concept ensures that all entities’ contributions to the health and well-being of the community or state are recognized in assessing the provision of public health services.
The public health system includes:
Public health agencies at state and local levels
Healthcare providers
Public safety agencies
Human service and charity organizations
Education and youth development organizations
Recreation and arts-related organizations
Economic and philanthropic organizations
Environmental agencies and organizations
The 10 Essential Services of The Public Health System:
1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems
2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community
3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues
4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems
5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts
6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable
8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce
9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services
10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems
The National Public Health Performance Standards program supports efforts to ensure that the Essential Services are provided across the public health system. The program provides tools for state and local public health systems and public health governing bodies to assess capacity and performance.
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