Foundational public health responsibilities
TRANSFORMING THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN MINNESOTA
Where you live should not determine your level of public health protection.
This framework of foundational public health responsibilities represents the work governmental public health must do to meet communities' unique needs statewide, grounded by this shared core value of equity.
- Foundational responsibilities: Governmental public health must carry out the foundational public health responsibilities, and the foundational responsibilities must be present in every community across the state to efficiently and effectively promote and protect the health of all people in Minnesota.
- Foundational capabilities represent the foundation: All houses need a strong foundation for the rest of the house to function properly.
- Foundational areas represent the rooms: We expect a house will have a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, etc.
- Protections and services unique to a community's needs represent the unique needs and decisions of each homeowner, like furniture, paint color, fixtures, etc. They are still very important, but are not the same in every house.
View/download an image of the framework.
This framework was developed collaboratively by state and local public health staff, and informed by national foundational public health services.
Capabilities
Foundational capabilities are the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully implement the basic public health protections key to ensuring the community's health and achieving equitable health outcomes.
The ability to identify and respond to health inequities to assure the highest level of health for all populations through policies, programs, and strategies that respond to cultural factors affecting health
Health equity is a cross-cutting skill and capacity, intersecting with and informing all other foundational responsibilities. It is critical to center health equity as we work to ensure community health and well-being.
In 2022, a number of local health departments were awarded funding to strengthen this capability in their jurisdiction. Learn more: Infrastructure Fund.
The ability to examine the health of the community, identify priorities, and implement a plan to address those priorities
The ability to reach the public effectively with timely, science-based information
In 2022, a number of local health departments were awarded funding to strengthen this capability in their jurisdiction. Learn more: Infrastructure Fund.
The ability to connect and align community resources and partners to advance the health of all members of the community
In 2022, a number of local health departments were awarded funding to strengthen this capability in their jurisdiction. Learn more: Infrastructure Fund.
The ability to track the health of a community through data, case-finding, and laboratory tests, with particular attention to those most at risk
In 2022, a number of local health departments were awarded funding to strengthen this capability in their jurisdiction. Learn more: Infrastructure Fund.
The ability to lead internal and external stakeholders to consensus and action
The ability to apply business practices that assure efficient use of resources, achieve desired outcomes, and foster a continuous learning environment
The ability to translate public health science into appropriate policy and regulation
The capacity to respond to emergencies of all kinds—from natural disasters to bioterrorist attacks
Areas
Foundational areas are those basic public health, topic-specific responsibilities aimed at improving the health of people and communities.
Preventing and controlling the spread of infectious disease, and assuring that everyone is protected from infectious disease threats
Preventing and reducing exposure to environmental hazards, and supporting healthier built and natural environments
Preventing harm and improving health across the lifespan through policy, systems, and environmental change
Working as an active partner with medical, oral, and behavioral health care to improve health care quality, reduce health care costs, and improve population health
Protections and services unique to a community's needs
There are many protections and services beyond the foundational public health responsibilities that are crucial to achieving population health goals. These protections and services are critical to a specific community's health. This work is very important, but unique to a given community. These can be provided at the state and/or local level by governmental public health or other partners. For examples of what this might look like, go to p. 3 of A new framework for governmental public health in Minnesota (PDF).
Source
A new framework for governmental public health in Minnesota (PDF)
This framework was developed collaboratively by state and local public health staff, and informed by national foundational public health services.