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The Ten Essentials of Public Health Services 1. Monitor health status to identify health problems. This is done by LAPHC members sharing what they are hearing and seeing within their own respective professional entities. Example: local data on the obesity epidemic, lead poisoning, mental/behavioral health, reproductive health, healthy aging, food quality and food insecurity, asthma, and safety/violence prevention. 2. Inform, educate and empower people about health issues. This is done by providing factual, health-focused information to members of our communities. Example: preventive information to the community about H1N1, an LAPHC school hand washing campaign, and an outreach event in Kennedy Park. 3. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and address health problems. This is done by collaboratively working with fellow LAPHC committee members and other community entities to recognize a public health problem and work together to most effectively respond to it. Example: Efforts to increase membership/ participation on LAPHC and presentations from other health and public health organizations. 4. Develop policies and initiatives that support individual and community health efforts; this is done through utilizing the committee’s collective strength and expertise in building capacity and exercising follow-through when addressing a health concern. Example: Work on tobacco policies regarding Lewiston recreational areas; response to city council request for public health information regarding the q keeping of domestic chickens. 5. Link people to needed personal health services. This is accomplished by informing community members about health resources available to them. Example: locations of flu shot clinics on LAPHC website and accessibility to stop smoking help. 6. Evaluate population-based health services. This is done by LAPHC members discussing what health services are available and whether they are adequate and effective. LAPHC will also evaluate the impact of any LAPHC- initiated projects. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7. Research and report on new insights and innovative solutions to health problems. While LAPHC does not conduct research, LAPHC members stay current and discuss new issues in public health. 8. Advocate for public health care. This is done by collectively utilizing LAPHC voices to promote the availability, accessibility of care; and identifying gaps that need to be addressed. 9. Build capacity. This is done by continuing to bring knowledge and expertise to the table in an effort to address health care concerns. Example: possible nutrition needs and elder health needs. 10. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety. This service is done by other city agencies and is not part of LAPHC work. Updated 5/10/2010