Health Dept. Offers Residents Behind the Scenes Look

Submitted by the Needham Health Department

The Needham Health Department protects and improves community well-being by preventing disease, illness and injury and impacting social, economic and environmental factors fundamental to excellent health. It is the foundation of the local public health system that comprises the Needham Board of Health, public- and private-sector health care providers, academia, business, the media, and other local and state governmental entities. 

Many strategies and tactics are used to protect and improve community well-being.  

• Track and investigate health problems and hazards in the community. The Needham Health Department gathers and analyzes data on the community's health to determine risks and problems. This information drives specific programs and activities designed to control multiple threats: both communicable and chronic diseases; food, water, insect and other "vector-borne" outbreaks; biological, chemical and radiological hazards; and public health disasters.

• Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. As a result of extensive and ongoing preparation, the Needham Health Department responds quickly and effectively to disease outbreaks and other public health events—the staff are intensively trained to respond to increases in the incidence of diseases, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism.  They coordinate delivery of drugs, supplies, and provisions to victims and populations at risk.  They keep the public informed and serve as the network hub for community hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers.

• Develop, apply and enforce policies, laws and regulations that improve health and ensure safety. Acting on their knowledge about their community, the Needham Health Department creates data-driven policies to meet health needs and address emerging issues. They help craft sound health policies by providing expertise to local, state and federal decision makers. The department also informs individuals and organizations about public health laws while monitoring and enforcing compliance.

• Lead efforts to mobilize communities around important health issues. With local and state government agencies, businesses, schools, and the media, the Needham Health Department spearheads locally organized health promotion and disease prevention campaigns and projects. They galvanize the community to tackle disease prevention and personal health care needs. The department also educates and encourages people to lead healthy lives through community forums; public workshops and presentations; and public service announcements.

• Link people to health services. The Needham Health Department connects people with personal health services, including preventive and health promotion services, either in the community or as close to the community as possible. They also advocate for development of needed programs and services in underserved populations and continuously monitor the quality and accessibility of public health services. 

• Achieve excellence in public health practice through a trained workforce, evaluation, and evidence-based programs. The Needham Health Department recruits and develops skilled workers with expertise in core public health competencies. The department ensures that public health workers update their knowledge and skills through continuing education, training and leadership development activities. The department regularly evaluates the effectiveness of all programs and activities using evidence-based standards and strives to adapt successful interventions from other communities.

Local Health Departments are as necessary as police, firefighters and medical personnel to respond to emergencies and protect community health and safety. They're an essential and cost-effective public investment.  For more information visit our website at www.needhamma.gov/health  or call 781-455-7500 ext 511.