Why Regionalize?

Harold CoxBoston University

Responsibilities of Health Departments Animal/Vector control Disease Prevention Disease Reporting Environmental Health Hazardous/Toxic Substances Community Sanitation Tobacco Control Emergency Preparedness

Challenges for Public Heath

Most jurisdictions unable to perform the 10 essential services needed to protect a community

local health departments do not have adequate staffing

Public Health Issues

Unevenness of Delivery Systems

Cross-jurisdictional Issues

Benefits of regionalization

Increases capacity

Combines expertise and resources

Ensures public health services across state

Massachusetts

Population: 6.3 million

Towns and Cities: 351

Local Boards of Health:351

Massachusetts Preparedness Coalitions

Provide administrative structure to facilitate planning

Enable timely and efficient allotment of resources

Provide operational public health response system

Regional Flu Clinics

Massachusetts Next Steps Identify ways to consolidate health

functions and health departments

Multi-disciplinary committee

21 presentations throughout state

Develop clear objectives and strategies

How does regionalization support public health?

What are the benefits of regionalization

What are the important components

What are the challenges of regionalization

State v. Local issues

Regionalization Questions

What is a region?

What are the structural, governance, and organizational challenges?