Resource detail

This performance assessment was carried out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The purpose for undertaking a performance assessment is to strengthen and improve the public health system. The standards were set at the optimal level; for this reason, Essential Public Health Services participating jurisdictions will likely see many differences between their own performance and the “gold standard” presented in the instruments. System partners should seek to address these weaknesses and also recognize and maintain areas in which they are strong. 

List of Essential Public Health Services:

1. Monitor health status to identify community health problems. 

2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community. 

3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues. 

4. Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems. 

5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts. 

6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety. 

7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.

8. Assure a competent public and personal health care workforce. 

9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based health services. 

10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.