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Modernizing Public Health"What should every Iowan reasonably expect from local and state public health?"A partnership between local and state public health is working to advance the quality and performance of public health in Iowa. Through the Modernizing Public Health in Iowa initiative, the partnership is defining basic standards of service delivery to all Iowans. Modernizing Public Health in Iowa is a continuation of Redesigning Public Health in Iowa. Redesign focused on the development of the Iowa Public Health Standards, and developing a plan to implement those standards. Modernization in Iowa will focus on bringing about the actions described in the implementation plan. Both Redesign and Modernization are partnerships between local and state public health. If you have questions about Modernizing Public Health in Iowa please contact Joy Harris, the Modernizing Public Health in Iowa Coordinator at 515-281-3377 or visit the website at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/mphi/.
StandardsThe Iowa Public Health Standards describe the basic public health services and infrastructure that all Iowans can reasonably expect from local and state public health. The standards answer the question, "What should every Iowan reasonably expect from local and state public health?" These standards represent the collaborative effort of over 150 local and state public health professionals and public health partners. Their combined public health expertise, scientific knowledge, and practical experience provide the foundation for defining the responsibilities of governmental local and state public health. The Iowa Public Health Standards were finalized in Dec. 2007. The services provided by Calhoun County Public Health fall under the standards as follows: 1. Prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies
2. Promote healthy behaviors
3. Prevent Injury
4. Protect Against Environmental Hazards
5. Prevent Epidemics and the Spread of Disease
6. Organizational Capacity 7. Direct Service
Iowa Public Health Standards document
Jane Condon of Calhoun County Public Health says using the standards is helping with the analysis and improvement of the county public health structure and the delivery of services. For example:
By focusing on the Modernization standards, Calhoun County is able to plan for benchmarks and improvements in services. Bringing staff to the recommended education levels helps in this process.
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