State health dept. releases strategy for future of public health in Illinois

Illinois headed for national public health accreditation

[November 16, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD — Embracing the goal of improving public health for all Illinoisans and the need for government transparency, the Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing its five-year strategy for 2014-2018. The strategic plan is a road map for IDPH to build the capacity of the department to better meet the public health needs of all people and communities in Illinois. The plan is also crucial as IDPH works toward becoming a nationally accredited public health department in an effort to improve the quality and performance of the department in serving all Illinois residents.

"We started developing the strategic plan by asking, how do we (as a department) maximize our effectiveness, influence and value in promoting health equity, safety and improved health outcomes for residents here in Illinois," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck. "After a year of hard work, I am excited to present a plan that will help us better direct our efforts to serve the citizens of Illinois as we work to become a mission-driven, high-impact Illinois Department of Public Health."

The plan focuses on five strategic priorities: partnership development; data quality, utilization and dissemination; reducing health disparities; regulatory improvement; and branding, marketing and communication. The plan also emphasizes creating a culture of measuring performance, quality improvement and customer service, as well as aligning the department with the State Health Improvement Plan.

A strategic plan is among the requirements for becoming a nationally accredited health department. Accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board signifies that a health department is meeting national standards for ensuring essential public health services are provided in the community. Accreditation increases accountability and credibility to stakeholders, partners and communities, and it better prepares the department to proactively respond to emerging and re-emerging health challenges.

Organized in 1877, IDPH is one of the state's oldest agencies. The department has an annual budget of approximately $500 million, headquarters in Springfield and Chicago, seven regional offices, three laboratories and approximately 1,100 employees.

The mission of IDPH is to protect the health and wellness of the people in Illinois through disease prevention, health promotion, regulation, and the control of disease and injury. With more than 200 programs, IDPH promotes healthy living through education, science-based practices and by encouraging disease prevention and control.

Through a diversity of programs and services, IDPH touches virtually every age, aspect and stage of an individual's life and makes Illinois a safer and healthier place to live. These programs and services include:

• Childhood immunization

• Food, water and drug testing

• Hospital and nursing home licensure

• Infectious disease control

• Chronic disease control

• Vital records

• Health statistics collection and evaluation

• Newborn screenings for genetic disorders

• Women's health promotion

• Emergency management system licensure

• Emergency preparedness

• Workforce development

For a copy of the strategic plan and to learn more about how it was created, go to http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/
StrategicPlan_Final_2014-2018.pdf.

Dr. Hasbrouck will also present his vision for IDPH at the City Club of Chicago on Dec. 10.

[Text from Illinois Department of Public Health file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]