Public Health is Community Health
Public Health focuses on protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. Asotin County Health District provides the public health services for Asotin County.
The American Public Health Association nicely summarizes the 10 Essential Public Health Services:
The American Public Health Association nicely summarizes the 10 Essential Public Health Services:
- Assess and monitor population health
- Investigate, diagnose and address health hazards and root causes
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate
- Strengthen, support and mobilize communities and partnerships
- Create, champion and implement policies, plans and laws
- Utilize legal and regulatory actions
- Enable equitable access
- Build a diverse and skilled workforce
- Improve and innovate through evaluation, research and quality improvement
- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health
History of Public Health
In the United States, the first public health policy, The Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen, was established in 1798. Throughout the 19th century, the military hospitals remained the focus of the national public health system.
Epidemics of smallpox, cholera and yellow fever resulted in a shift to infectious disease prevention for the entire U.S. population, not just the military.
Immunization against vaccine-preventable disease resulted in several previously devasting diseases no longer threatening the United States. Smallpox, polio, measles and Hib were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands children under the age of 5. Although these diseases are no longer a major threat in the United States, many countries around the world still face high child mortality rates due to low vaccine availability.
Workplace and food safety campaigns soon followed. As cars became more common, public health standards lowered the number of fatal accidents.
Epidemics of smallpox, cholera and yellow fever resulted in a shift to infectious disease prevention for the entire U.S. population, not just the military.
Immunization against vaccine-preventable disease resulted in several previously devasting diseases no longer threatening the United States. Smallpox, polio, measles and Hib were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands children under the age of 5. Although these diseases are no longer a major threat in the United States, many countries around the world still face high child mortality rates due to low vaccine availability.
Workplace and food safety campaigns soon followed. As cars became more common, public health standards lowered the number of fatal accidents.
What does Asotin County Health District Offer?
Personal and Community Health
Environmental Health
Free services
- Maternal Child Health
- WIC
- Chronic Disease
- Communicable Disease
- Emergency Preparedness
- Substance Misuse Prevention
- Vital Records (birth/death certificates)
Environmental Health
- Food Safety
- On-Site Sewage (OSS)- commonly known as septic systems
- Solid Waste
- Public Pools/Spa
Free services
- Safe Storage Lock Boxes/ Lock Bags
- Rx Mail back Program
- Sharps Containers
- Syringe Collection
- Smoking Quit Kits
- Male and Female Condoms
- At-home COVID tests
How is a Health District Funded?
The health district receives most of its funding directly through Washington Department of Health, though some funding comes from federal grants. These grants often have many limits and requirements for how the money can be used.
Asotin County, city of Asotin and city of Clarkston contribute to ACHD's budget. This local money can be used with fewer restrictions to better address the unique needs of the community.
Asotin County, city of Asotin and city of Clarkston contribute to ACHD's budget. This local money can be used with fewer restrictions to better address the unique needs of the community.
Who Oversees the Health District?
Since Asotin County Health District is not a department within the county, ACHD reports directly to the Board of Health. The Board of Health is made up of 6 members, 3 elected members and 3 members from the community who are appointed by the Board of Health.
Washington Department of Health also oversees the Health District. The Local Health Officer provides guidance and ensures the Health District is following state and federal guidelines and regulations.
Washington Department of Health also oversees the Health District. The Local Health Officer provides guidance and ensures the Health District is following state and federal guidelines and regulations.
Quick Links |
|
Asotin County Public Health leads the community through education and evidence-based practices to prevent illness, promote health, and protect the environment to improve the quality of life in our communities.