Local health department
Local Health Department
A Local Health Department (pronounced: loh-kul helth dih-pahrt-ment), often abbreviated as LHD, is a government agency at the local level that is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the people within their jurisdiction. The etymology of the term is straightforward, with "local" referring to the specific geographical area, "health" referring to the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and "department" referring to a specialized division within a larger organization or government.
Functions
The primary functions of a Local Health Department include:
- Disease surveillance: This involves monitoring the health of the community to identify any potential health threats or outbreaks.
- Health promotion: LHDs work to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles within their community.
- Healthcare services: They provide or ensure access to medical services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Environmental health: LHDs are responsible for ensuring the safety and healthiness of the environment, including food and water safety.
- Emergency preparedness: They plan for and respond to public health emergencies.
Structure
The structure of a Local Health Department can vary greatly depending on the size and needs of the community it serves. However, most LHDs will have a Health Director at the helm, who is responsible for overseeing all operations and services. Other key roles within an LHD often include Public Health Nurses, Epidemiologists, Health Educators, and Environmental Health Specialists.
Related Terms
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.
- Health Department: A part of government which focuses on issues related to the general health of the citizenry.
- State Health Department: A government agency at the state level that oversees public health.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Local health department
- Wikipedia's article - Local health department
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