Public health concepts and applications

Public Health, Gwinnett County

In Gwinnett County, the Environmental Health Section carries out the core functions of assessment, policy development and assurance in terms of preventing the spread of disease (Gwinnett County Health Dept, 2005). An assessment of the health needs of the county have resulted in the policy of six sets of regulations. These include regulations regarding food service establishments, personnel, land use, tourist regulation, vector control and property maintenance. These policies provide the County with the assurance that the spread of disease is prevented as far as is possible, and that possible problem areas are assessed and monitored on a continuous basis.

In terms of assessment, the Gwinnett County Health department (2005b) provides documentation such as statistics of natality and mortality rates. These help the agency determine health needs in terms of babies and mothers, as well as fatal diseases that may prove to be a hazard for the community. Health status goes hand-in-hand with health care. Reporting on the number of nursing home beds and physician to persons ratios help to assess the status and needs of health care in the community.

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services (2005) provide certain policies with regard to health in the County. Through community planning, applied research and community education, the Coalition can form functions that build the health policies in the County. The two most important functions include the community Helpline and a five-year strategic plan for children and families.

These functions culminate in assurance paradigms for the community, including five major councils and multiple committees. These support planning processes with regard to community health and the assessment and fulfillment of the citizens' needs. This provides the community members with the assurance that their best interest and health are at the core of the Coalition's functions.

Sources

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. (2005). http://www.gwinnettcoalition.org/