Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health Improvement Act
Priority Capacities, Section 319 (A)
9-21-01
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Practice Program
Office, in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration,
the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Association
of County and City Health Officials, and State and local health officers have
developed Priority Capacities for public health systems. According to Section
319(A) of the Public Health Improvement Act, national, state, and local public
health officials shall establish capacities to improve, enhance or expand the
capacity of national, state, and local public health agencies to detect and
respond effectively to significant public health threats. In response to Section
319 (A), seven Priority Capacities have been established:
- Workforce
Goal: The public health system maintains a public health workforce capable
of delivering the Essential Public Health Services during routine and emergency
operation.
- Information Systems
Goal: Public health systems establish and maintain secure accessible information
systems for rapid communication, analysis and interpretation of health data,
and public access to health information.
- Communication
Goal: Public health systems maintain communication mechanisms to 1) routinely
translate scientific and health information for communities and policy makers
2) provide timely, accurate public information and advice to policy makers
during emergent events, and 3) coordinate logistical communication within
the response community.
- Epidemiology/Surveillance
Goal: Public health systems monitor health events to identify changes or patterns
and to investigate underlying causes and factors.
- Laboratory
Goal: Public health systems maintain the ability to produce timely and accurate
laboratory results for diagnostic and investigative public health concerns.
- Policy and Evaluation
Goal: Public health systems use community assessment findings to establish
priorities and improve the effectiveness of programs and policy decisions.
- Preparedness and Response
Goal: Public health systems maintain the ability to effectively respond to
public health threats and emergencies.