Local Public Health Services (LPHS)
What is LPHS?
The Local Public Health Services Program provides funding to each Local Board of Health (LBOH) to:
- assure core public health functions are met,
- assure essential public health services are delivered,
- increase the capacity of LBOHs to meet the unique needs of the population while promoting healthy people in healthy communities throughout their lifespan.
Local Public Health Services promotes and supports the development of the public health system to improve local public health's capability to address health priorities and health disparities, ultimately leading to healthy people in healthy communities. This includes consultation from Community Health Consultants (CHC) who provide necessary consultation and technical assistance to Local Boards of Health (LBOH) and Local Public Health Agencies (LPHA). The CHCs assist local leaders, LBOH and LPHA in setting priorities so the available resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner, assist in developing quality and effective services which are community-driven, culturally appropriate, and responsive to their community health needs assessment. Through orientation, education, and technical assistance, the CHCs also provide Local Board of Health members and Local Public Health Administrators with the information needed to perform their important work.
Why are Local Public Health Agencies Important?
Public health strives to improve the quality of life for all Iowans by assuring access to evidence-based population-health programs, services and activities in the following areas:
- Promote healthy living
- Prevent injuries and violence
- Protect against environmental hazards
- Assure access to quality health services
- Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease
- Improve and support public health performance
- Prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies