Health department

Last updated

A health department or health ministry is a part of government which focuses on issues related to the general health of the citizenry. Subnational entities, such as states, counties and cities, often also operate a health department of their own. Health departments perform food inspections and other health related inspections (the person who performs this job is often called a public health inspector), vaccination programs, free STD and HIV tests, tobacco enforcement and cessation programs, and other medical assistance programs. Health departments also compile statistics about health issues within their area. The role of a health department may vary from one country to the other, but their primary objective is always the same; safeguarding and promoting health. In 1986, several of the world's national health departments met to establish an international guideline by which health departments operate. The meeting was in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and hence the guidelines established are known as the Ottawa Charter. The Ottawa Charter was designed to 'achieve Health for All'.

Contents

"Health department" can also refer to a university health department.

Around the world

Most executive governments in the world are divided into departments or ministries. In Canada, Health Canada is the federal agency in charge of healthcare. [1] The first ministry of health in Canada was established by legislation in the Province of New Brunswick in 1918, making it the first cabinet-level Department of Health in the British Empire, with Dr. William F. Roberts of Saint John, N.B. as the first Minister of Health in the British Empire. [2]

In the People's Republic of China, the China Health Ministry initially oversaw healthcare before it was dissolved. The majority of its functions have now been integrated into a new agency called the National Health Commission. [3] In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health supervises the country's health departments and agencies under it, most of which are located in Abuja, the country's capital. [4] [5]

United States Health Departments

Programs and services

In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for coordinating health programs in the country. With more than 100 programs and services, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to "protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves." [6] These federal programs consist of social service programs, civil rights and healthcare privacy programs, disaster preparedness programs, and health related research. HHS offers a variety of social service programs geared toward persons with low income, disabilities, military families, and senior citizens. [7] Healthcare rights are defined under HHS in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which protect patient's privacy in regards to medical information. HHS collaborates with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Office of Emergency Management to prepare and respond to health emergencies. [8] [9] A broad array of health related research is supported or completed under the HHS; secondarily under HHS, the Health Resources & Service Administration houses data warehouses and makes health data available surrounding a multitude of topics. [10] [11] HHS also has vast offering of health related resources and tools. Some examples of available resources include disease prevention, wellness, health insurance information, as well as links to healthcare providers and facilities, meaningful health related materials, and public health and safety information. [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]

Health departments in the United States

There are several tiers of health departments in America: federal, state, tribal, insular areas, freely associated states, and local levels. [18] In relation with state and local government, the federal government provides states with funding to ensure that states are able to retain current programs and are able to implement new programs. The coordination between all three levels is critical to ensure the programs being implemented are well structured for each level. The health department at state level needs to safeguard good relations with legislators as well as governors in order to acquire legal and financial aid to guarantee the development and enhancements of the programs. Assemblies are set up to guide the relationships between state and local health departments. The state sets up the regulations and health policies whereas the local health departments are the ones implementing the health policies and services.[ citation needed ]

List of Public Health departments in the United States

Federal
State
Tribal
Insular areas
Freely associated states
Local

Grants and contracts

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acts as the most extensive grant funding agency in the country. [19] While several grants are delivered to non-government agencies, the majority of HHS federal grants are administered to states, territories, and tribes. [20] Beneficiaries of federal funds are prohibited from lobbying government officials for legislative influence or additional funding. [21] HHS and the National Institutes of Health, are accountable to Congress for conducting research that is amenable to both federal and state regulatory policies and a cost-effective budget. [22] HHS uses grants to finance and encourage government research interests. Additionally, HHS routinely sets fixed price and cost reimbursement contracts with private companies in order to obtain products and services for government operations. [23] HHS aims to issue these contracts with adherence to federal contract laws, HHS acquisition policies, and local operating procedures. [23]

United States approach to laws and regulations affecting local, state, and federal health departments

History

There is some dispute at the local level as to the claim of being the first to establish a local board or health department. For example, The city of Petersburg, Virginia claims it established the first permanent board of health in 1780; [24] The city of Baltimore, Maryland claims it is established the first US health department in 1793, [25] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania followed 1794, claiming its Board of Health as "one of the first"; [26] and Boston, Massachusetts claims in 1799 it established the first board of health and the first health department, with Paul Revere named as the first health officer. [27]

At the state level, Louisiana was the first state to create a state board of health in 1855, [28] but it functioned primarily to influence regulations in New Orleans. [29] Massachusetts was the first to establish a state board that functioned throughout its state with statewide authority in 1869. [30]

At the national level, a simple National Board of Health functioned from 1879 to 1883, [31] but it was not until 1939 that another federal agency that operated to manage public health on a national level was established, going from a federal agency called the Federal Security Agency that had health functions such as the United States Public Health Service (PHS), and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1953, that agency was reorganized and its health functions were elevated to a cabinet-level position to establish the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW), which was renamed in 1980 to become the current and modern United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).[ citation needed ]

Current laws and regulations at each level of government

HHS notes the laws and regulations that it carries out on its website. [32] Every state also has a health department to which HHS has given a description and hyperlink for each state health department. [33]

Other levels of government within each state are varied. [34] For example, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has within it a health department in each of its 58 counties. However, other localized versions exist. In the consolidated city and county of San Francisco, the San Francisco Department of Health [35] serves both the municipal corporation (city) and the administrative division (county) of the state. Three cities within California operate their own health departments, while simultaneously being under the jurisdiction of their county's health department. In Alameda County, the City of Berkeley operates its own Public Health Division. [36] Similarly, in Los Angeles County, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services [37] and the Pasadena Public Health Department [38] serve the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena, respectively.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Secretary of Health and Human Services</span> Government position

The United States secretary of health and human services is the head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and serves as the principal advisor to the president of the United States on all health matters. The secretary is a member of the United States Cabinet. The office was formerly Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. In 1980, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was renamed the Department of Health and Human Services, and its education functions and Rehabilitation Services Administration were transferred to the new United States Department of Education. Patricia Roberts Harris headed the department before and after it was renamed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Department of Health and Human Services</span> Department of the US federal government

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government created to protect the health of the U.S. people and providing essential human services. Its motto is "Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America". Before the separate federal Department of Education was created in 1979, it was called the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surgeon General of the United States</span> Head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

The surgeon general of the United States is the operational head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) and thus the leading spokesperson on matters of public health in the federal government of the United States. The surgeon general's office and staff are known as the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG), which is housed within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Public Health Service</span> Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concerned with public health

The United States Public Health Service is a collection of agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services concerned with public health, containing nine out of the department's twelve operating divisions. The Assistant Secretary for Health oversees the PHS. The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) is the federal uniformed service of the PHS, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA is charged with improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and the cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. The Administrator of SAMHSA reports directly to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA's headquarters building is located outside of Rockville, Maryland.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is headed by the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Children and Families. It has a $49 billion budget for 60 programs that target children, youth and families. These programs include assistance with welfare, child support enforcement, adoption assistance, foster care, child care, and child abuse. The agency employs approximately 1,700 staff, including 1,200 federal employees and 500 contractors, where 60% are based in Washington, DC, with the remaining in regional offices located in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco, Missouri and Seattle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health Resources and Services Administration</span> United States government agency

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services located in North Bethesda, Maryland. It is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Disaster Medical System</span> American organization

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a federally coordinated disaster medical system and partnership of the United States Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), Defense (DOD), and Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose of the NDMS is to support State, local, Tribal and Territorial authorities following disasters and emergencies by supplementing health and medical systems and response capabilities. NDMS would also support the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs health care systems in caring for combat casualties, should requirements exceed their capacity. The NDMS was established in 1984.

Executive Schedule is the system of salaries given to the highest-ranked appointed officials in the executive branch of the U.S. government. The president of the United States appoints individuals to these positions, most with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. They include members of the president's Cabinet, several top-ranking officials of each executive department, the directors of some of the more prominent departmental and independent agencies, and several members of the Executive Office of the President.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assistant Secretary for Health</span> USHHS primary advisor on US public health

The assistant secretary for health (ASH) is a senior U.S. government official within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The position is a statutory office and the holder of the office serves as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services's primary advisor on matters involving the nation's public health. The assistant secretary oversees all matters pertaining to the United States Public Health Service (PHS), the main division of the Department of Health and Human Services, for the secretary and provides strategic and policy direction. The Public Health Service comprises almost all of the agency divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services including the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the eight federal uniformed services, comprising more than 6,500 uniformed health professionals who serve with the Department of Health and Human Services, or are assigned to work within other federal agencies, including the United States Armed Forces.

Elizabeth M. Duke was the administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) from March 6, 2002 to February 28, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority</span> Government organization in Washington D.C., United States

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)' is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office responsible for the procurement and development of medical countermeasures, principally against bioterrorism, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as pandemic influenza and emerging diseases. BARDA was established in 2006 through the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and reports to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The office manages Project BioShield, which funds the research, development and stockpiling of vaccines and treatments that the government could use during public health emergencies such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response</span> US government agency

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is an operating agency of the U.S. Public Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services that focuses preventing, preparing for, and responding to the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters. Its functions include preparedness planning and response; building federal emergency medical operational capabilities; countermeasures research, advance development, and procurement; and grants to strengthen the capabilities of hospitals and health care systems in public health emergencies and medical disasters. The office provides federal support, including medical professionals through ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System, to augment state and local capabilities during an emergency or disaster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act</span> U.S. Federal law

On December 19, 2006, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), Public Law No. 109-417, was signed into law by President George W. Bush. First introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), PAHPA had broad implications for the United States Department of Health and Human Services's (HHS) preparedness and response activities. Among other things, the act amended the Public Health Service Act to establish within the department a new Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR); provided new authorities for a number of programs, including the advanced development and acquisitions of medical countermeasures; and called for the establishment of a quadrennial National Health Security Strategy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Giroir</span> American physician-scientist (born 1960)

Brett P. Giroir is an American pediatrician. He was formerly the U.S. assistant secretary for health, a four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and an acting Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is a Cabinet level agency under the Governor of Massachusetts. EOHHS is the largest secretariat in Massachusetts, and is responsible for the Medicaid program, child welfare, public health, disabilities, veterans’ affairs, and elder affairs. In total, EOHHS oversees 17 state agencies.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) is the principal advisory group to the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on policy development and provides coordination and support for HHS's strategic and policy planning, planning and development of legislation, program evaluation, data gathering, policy-related research, and regulatory program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health departments in the United States</span>

Government departments responsible for health issues and health services in the United States exist at federal, state and local levels. The first, at city level, were founded in the late 18th century; now many operate at city or county level. State-level work began in the mid-19th century, now every state has one. The federal agency now known as the United States Department of Health and Human Services originated in 1939.

References

  1. ↑ "Health Canada". canada.ca. 18 September 2020.
  2. ↑ Charles Hayter, "New Brunswick's Remarkable Dr. Roberts", Canadian Medical Association Journal, 146:9, 1637-1639.
  3. ↑ "Welcome to the website of the National Health Commission of the PRC". en.nhfpc.gov.cn. Archived from the original on 23 May 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  4. ↑ "Federal Ministry of Health".
  5. ↑ "Health Department". Public Health Nigeria. 11 May 2021.
  6. ↑ (ASPA), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (29 January 2015). "Programs & Services". HHS.gov.
  7. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (26 February 2015). "Social Services".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ "Preparedness Home - PHE". www.phe.gov.
  9. ↑ "Office of Emergency Management - PHE". www.phe.gov.
  10. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (26 February 2015). "Research".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ "HealthData.gov". www.healthdata.gov.
  12. ↑ (ASPA), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (29 January 2015). "Programs & Services". HHS.gov.
  13. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (26 February 2015). "Prevention & Wellness".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (26 February 2015). "Health Insurance".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (9 April 2015). "Providers & Facilities".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (3 March 2015). "Featured Topic Sites".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ↑ (ASPA), Digital Communications Division (DCD), Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (26 February 2015). "Public Health & Safety".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ↑ "CDC - State and Territorial Health Departments - STLT Gateway". 6 December 2021.
  19. ↑ (ASFR), Division of Grants, Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability (OGAPA), Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (30 December 2014). "Grants".{{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  21. ↑ (ASFR), Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability (OGAPA), Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (29 April 2015). "Lobbying Restrictions on Grant Recipients".{{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ↑ "NIH Grants Policy Statement" (PDF). National Institutes of Health. December 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2022.[ page needed ]
  23. 1 2 https://www.psc.gov/docs/default-source/acquisition/federal-contracting-highlights-aligned_wmilestonesprocessflow_v6.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  24. ↑ Virginia Department of Health. Go to Virginia Department of Health. http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/history/. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  25. ↑ "About The Baltimore City Health Department". Baltimore City Health Department. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  26. ↑ Agency History. Philadelphia Department of Public Health. http://www.phila.gov/phils/docs/inventor/graphics/agencies/A080.htm. Published 24 April 2000. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  27. ↑ Our History. Boston Public Health Commission. http://www.bphc.org/aboutus/our-history/Pages/our-history.aspx. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  28. ↑ History. Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. http://www.lsbme.la.gov/content/history. Published 2014. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  29. ↑ Everard W. New Orleans Health Department Records, City Archives. New Orleans Public Library. http://nutrias.org/inv/health.htm. Published 10 December 2001. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  30. ↑ State Board of Health of Massachusetts : a brief history of its organization and its work, 1869-1912 : material compiled mainly from the reports of the Board. Columbia University Libraries. Boston : Wright & Potter. 1912.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  31. ↑ Michael, Jerrold M (2011). "The National Board of Health: 1879–1883". Public Health Reports. 126 (1): 123–129. doi:10.1177/003335491112600117. PMC   3001811 . PMID   21337938.
  32. ↑ "Laws & Regulations". www.hhs.gov. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  33. ↑ State Health Departments. Healthfinder.gov. https://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?show=1&topic=820. Published 17 September 2017. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  34. ↑ Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). Research. State and Local Public Health Relationships. Published May 2012. Accessed 17 September 2017.
  35. ↑ "San Francisco Department of Public Health". www.sfdph.org. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  36. ↑ "Home Page: Public Health Division - City of Berkeley, CA". www.cityofberkeley.info. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  37. ↑ "Health". www.longbeach.gov. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  38. ↑ "Public Health Department". ww5.cityofpasadena.net. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.