Public Health Advisory Board

Public Health Advisory Board

The Public Health Advisory Board is established to enhance community relations with Deschutes County Health Services to increase public knowledge about public health issues and assist in the betterment of services provided by the department. The Board also advises the Board of County Commissioners concerning matters of public health and the operation of the public health system in Deschutes County.

Responsibilities

The Advisory Board’s responsibilities include providing advice, leadership, and guidance in support of the Health Services Department’s mission.

The Board Shall

1. Inform the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the County Administrator, and DCHS Leadership about emerging public health threats, legislation, and health issues in need of attention.  Take action only when in alignment or directed by the BOCC.
2. Work cooperatively with the Behavioral Health Advisory Board and other DCHS advisory groups to promote service integration, Department benefit and accountability as well as operational efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Promote the public health programs, services, and educational opportunities provided by DCHS within the community.
4. Participate in developing and endorsing the priorities and services provided or sponsored by DCHS, including health assessment review, health improvement plan development, and strategic planning.
5. Assist DCHS in fulfilling the requirements necessary to be designated as a National Public Health Accreditation Board Accredited Health Department (http://www.phaboard.org/)
6. Recommend advocacy positions for the resources necessary to assure the provision of essential public health functions.  This includes, but is not limited to supporting Public Health budget requests made during the Deschutes County annual budget process. 
7. Monitor health status indicators that will help to identify community health problems and work towards identifying a solution that can be recommended to the BOCC and DCHS Leadership.
8. Determine priorities that surface organically in the community in order to be relevant, timely, and responsive. 

If you have questions about the Public Health Advisory Board, please contact Deschutes County Health Services Community Health Program Manager Tom Kuhn at (541) 322-7410 or send email to Thomas.Kuhn@deschutes.org.