About Public Health

What is Public Health?

Public Health is a set of services created to meet the needs of all citizens.  It was developed by local, state, and national professionals with one goal in mind, to have healthier and safer communities.  From community and family services, to community health interventions, disease prevention and response, to restaurant inspections and drinking water safety, health promotion, and vital records, the Benton-Franklin Health District Provides over 40 different programs and services to individuals, families, and agencies/organizations.

History and Development of Public Health

Elements of modern public health developed in America from some the earliest epidemic diseases in colonial settlements.  The American response to epidemics was to begin recording births and deaths in 1639. History. History. History.

Concepts and Definitions of Public Health

Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO)

National Association of County & Health Officials (NACCHO)

Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Department of Health (DOH)

Funding for Public Health (PH)

Funding sources: State, Federal, and Local Capacity Dollars and more…

Benton Franklin Health District (BFHD)

Our mission is “to provide all people in our community the opportunity to live full productive lives by

1) promoting healthy life-styles;

2) preventing disease and injury; and

3) protecting individuals and their environment through cooperative participation among community and government.”

Local Board of Health (BOH)

The Washington governmental public health system is described in state law as comprising the Washington State Department of Health, the State Board of Health and Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs).

Public Health (PH) Links

Department of Health (DOH)

Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Institutes of Medicine (IOM)

National Association of County & Health Officials (NACCHO)

Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA)

American Public Health Association (APHA)

Public Health Improvement Partnership (PHIP)

A Day in Public Health

Public Health Foundation (PHF)

USDHHS/Community Health Indicators (CHI)

Washington Health Foundation (WHF)