Chapter 5 Public Health Services Copyright 2005 Thomson

Table 5. 1. Typical Services Provided by Local Health Departments Vital statistics collection Sanitation inspections Health education Cancer, hypertension, diabetes screening Maintenance of disease registries Epidemiology Supervision of water and sewage systems Monitoring biological attacks Insect control Environmental health Dairy product supervision Copyright © 2005 Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2

Table 5. 1. Typical Services Provided by Local Health Departments (continued) Information services to physicians Public health nursing services Tuberculosis screening Immunization/vaccination Operation of health centers Mental health centers Family planning clinics Venereal disease clinics Terrorism preparation Emergency mobilization Copyright © 2005 Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3

Reference Table 5. 1 • Services provided by local health departments are on the front line of protecting the public’s health. • These services include local data collection and surveillance. • Some public health personal health services may also be provided depending on the agency, including family planning and venereal disease clinics, primary care clinics, and mental health centers. • Local public health agencies provide direct information to physicians related to public health concerns and monitoring. • Local agencies also have a newer responsibility in preparing for and monitoring the potential of biological and terrorist attacks as well as general emergency mobilization. Copyright © 2005 Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4

Table 5. 2. Typical Services Provided by State Public Health Departments Personnel licensing boards Hospital licensing Nursing home licensing Vital statistics collection Health planning Health data systems Chronic disease surveillance Communicable disease surveillance State laboratory services Development of immunization programs Tuberculosis control Veterinary public health Administration of categorical programs Emergency medical services Terrorism preparation Support for direct health programs Copyright © 2005 Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5

Reference Table 5. 2 • State health departments perform licensing functions, although in some states this duty may be in a separate agency. • Vital statistics compilation, health planning, statewide surveillance, and statewide preparedness are state public health agency duties. • State laboratory services are available to all local health departments. • The state agency has ultimate responsibility to assure that all local agencies perform their duties. Copyright © 2005 Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6