The initial years of operation have focused on the develop of core infrastructure for the local entity including hiring a director, staffing (Emergency Response Coordinator, Public Health Outreach Nurse , and Administrative Assistant), establishing an office, development of core policies and the initiation of some core public health programs.
Prior to the formation of Loup Basin Public Health Department the concept of an inclusive local public health system did not exist for this region. Various components of Essential Public Health Services were provided in, or to, the region. These were fragmented and isolated within funding silos, organizations and agencies that do not have a solid foundation for collaboration toward public health outcomes.
As a result of these factors, extensive time and effort has been required to educate those involved (Board, staff, and local public health system constituents) on roles, responsibilities, and core functions of public health. The time and effort dedicated to establish infrastructure framework for a new organization is often underestimated but crucial to the functionality and sustainability.
The National Public Health Performance Standards Assessment and the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership have contributed to this development phase. The outcomes of these processes have included the opportunity to develop common understanding and processes. The resulting documents provide direction for this ongoing work. The ultimate goal is to develop community ownership and success in the provision of the Essential Public Health Services. |
