Partnership for a County Health Department
Findings from a study conducted by Drexel University School of Public Health to determine the feasibility of a countywide public health department were released in Spring of 2005. The feasibility study, commissioned by the Physicians Taskforce of United Way of Lancaster County's Success By 6, provides information on public health issues and concerns, determines community awareness and support for a public health department in Lancaster County, and ascertains funding requirements and potential funding sources.
The Drexel study identified significant gaps in the coordination of public health services, and some critical deficits in current environmental and personal health services. The key findings from the surveys and resident interviews emphasized several recurring concerns about the current condition of public health:
- Environmental hazards, known and unknown, such as water quality and lead exposure, solid waste management and vector control
- Lack of coordination among providers of public health related services
- Insufficient services to meet the needs of both urban and rural county residents. Other responses from the surveys and interviews indicated concerns with the establishment and operation of a public health department.
- Emergency preparedness and coordination
Findings from the study recommend a public health department in Lancaster County should be no larger than necessary to meet Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations and identified essential community needs. The study also recommended a public health department should:
- coordinate public health-related activities throughout the county
- collect and maintain information on public health-related activities in the county, and monitor the health status of the population
- be the "go-to" place for residents with public health-related questions, concerns or problems
- live within its means and always having a stable funding base
The feasibility study was conducted over the course of several months. Almost 500 surveys were mailed to residents throughout the county, and Drexel staff conducted personal and telephone interviews.
Next steps in the consideration of the establishment of a public health department includes the evaluation of financial constraints, an analysis of the benefits of a public health department to the community, and the development of a long-term plan to improve the public health of Lancaster County.
Discussions of the report findings currently are being held with all stakeholders. For more information, please call 824.8124 or email Hilda@dejazzd.com.
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