Assessment/Equity
Definition: A systematic examination of the health status indicators for a given population that is used to identify key problems and assets in a community.
Assessment
Definition: Laws, regulations, plans, and actions that are undertaken to achieve public health goals in a society.
Policy Development
Definition: Ensuring the findings gathered through assessment and policy-related research are effectively implemented
Assurance
Definition: The state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health
Equity
If a child is suspected of receiving abuse in the home, Child Protective Services enforces Massachusetts state law to ensure the safety of the child.
6. Utilize legal and regulatory actions
A health coalition was recently formed by the town of Amherst, involving key stakeholders such as patients, doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists. This coalition meets regularly to develop strategies for maintaining and improving community health.
10. Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health
What is this an example of: Providing low-cost, basic healthcare services to low-income neighborhoods?
Equity
The town of Amherst has implemented a number of programs to promote community health, including smoke-free schools and restaurants, biking and walking trails, and a farmer’s market
5. Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that impact health
Community health centers provide services for low-income individuals and families who otherwise experience significant cost barriers when trying to utilize care from traditional facilities
7. Enable equitable access
The town of Amherst works with UMass to examine rising childhood obesity trends in the area leading to the development of a new school nutrition program.
2. Investigate, diagnose, and address health hazards and root causes.
Diabetes self-management workshops are held monthly to inform diabetic patients of best-practices for maintaining their health.
3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate
Regular surveillance is conducted in order to identify new environmental waste sites. Residences in close proximity of identified sites are provided free health evaluations and needed follow-up services.
9. Improve and innovate through evaluation, research, and quality improvement
Amherst administers an annual immunization survey to determine rates in the community.
1. Assess and monitor population health
Massachusetts provides additional funding to support local departments of public health around the state in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.
4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships
The Amherst Department of Public Health conducts regular training for its employees so they can be well-prepared for unexpected disease outbreaks.
8. Build a diverse and skilled workforce