The State of Georgia recognizes and responds to the public health needs of her citizens. The three core public health functions are assessment, policy development and assurance. In the state of Georgia, a Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees the state’s public health needs. The DPH had previously been incorporated into other state departments. However, in 2011, the state returned public health to its own, separate department. The DPW delineates its various activities and scopes to numerous divisions, sections and offices (Georgia Department of Public Health, n.d.)
Within the state of Georgia, there are 18 health districts and 159 county public health departments. Its mission is to protect the lives and health of Georgians. It delegates the core public health functions to various departments. The financial department and the general council often oversee policy development. These often occur through grants and legal applications. However, other areas, such as the EMS and trauma section may develop policy specific to their areas. Assessment is completed by the Health Protection division. This division includes infectious diseases, refugee health, emergency preparedness and environmental health departments. These agencies predominantly assess the current health situation within the state. Assurance refers to the ability of public health to ensure that the citizens receive the necessary services. The departments of Nursing and Health Promotion offer services to individuals who may not otherwise receive them. This specifically includes the areas of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) (Georgia Department of Public Health, n.d.).
The state promotes healthy living and disease prevention through its program, “Live Healthy Georgia.” This program assesses the health needs of the citizens of Georgia. It determines what health needs are not being currently met. It also engages in assurance through its health programs. These include smoking cessation, diabetes prevention and nutrition, and mental health programs. If individuals are not receiving adequate care in these areas, the programs will provide for assistance in locating the care (Live Health Georgia, n.d.).
- Georgia Department of Public Health (n.d.) Georgia department of public health overview. Retrieved May 25, 2013, from: http://www.health.state.ga.us/aboutgdph.asp
- Live Healthy Georgia (n.d.) Live healthy Georgia. Retrieved May 25, 2013, from: http://www.livehealthygeorgia.org/
