It begins with assessment. The systematic collection, assembly, analysis and distribution of information on the health of the community is a fundamental government obligation. This Department is committed to providing accurate and reliable information on the health status and unmet needs of this County. Our efforts for education, strategic planning and resource allocation must be based on such community health assessment. Much of this information is now available to the public on our web page.
Policy development is a bit more problematic.
In the current world of managed care, health care policy decisions are often driven more by industry economics than by community need. It is a basic responsibility of government to set health and environmental policies that are in the interest of the general public. The Department works to provide technical assistance to legislators, local officials and other government agencies to ensure the development of sound public health policy. The role of assurance is probably the most misunderstood of the functions of government in public health. These three governmental roles, assessment, policy development and assurance, have been the foundation of public health since the beginning of civilization.