Public Health Advisory Board

Public Health Advisory Board

The Public Health Advisory Board is established to enhance community relations with Deschutes County Health Services to increase public knowledge about public health issues and assist in the betterment of services provided by the department. The Board also advises the Board of County Commissioners concerning matters of public health and the operation of the public health system in Deschutes County.

Responsibilities

The Public Health Advisory Board’s (PHAB) responsibilities include providing advice, leadership, and guidance in support of the Health Services Department’s mission.

The Board Shall

1. Inform the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and DCHS Leadership about emerging public health threats, legislation, and health issues in need of attention.  Take action only when in alignment with or directed by the BOCC.
2. Work cooperatively with the Behavioral Health Advisory Board and other DCHS advisory groups to find synergies in health topic advocacy and collaborate when possible. 
3. Promote the public health programs, services and educational opportunities provided by DCHS within the community.
4. Participate in developing and endorsing the priorities and services provided or sponsored by DCHS, including but not limited to health assessment review, health improvement plan development, and strategic planning.
5. Assist DCHS in advocating for Public Health Modernization, implementing best practices, increasing community engagement, and fulfilling any necessary requirements.
6. Recommend advocacy positions for the resources necessary to assure the provision of essential public health functions.  This includes, but is not limited to supporting Public Health budget requests made during the Deschutes County annual budget process. 
7. Monitor health status indicators that will help to identify community health problems and work towards identifying recommended solutions for the BOCC and DCHS Leadership.
8. Determine priorities that arise in the community in order to be relevant, timely, and responsive. 
9. Follow DCHS established communication protocol when acting as a PHAB Member in communicating with the BOCC, the County Administrator, and Legislature.
10. Actions to be taken by PHAB will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide relevant information and when appropriate, recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners through presentations and informational letters.
• Advocate on legislation that may impact public health.
• Write letters of support for vetted grant applications and programs that will positively impact public health.
• Respond with appropriate action on information and requests presented to PHAB by persons who are well informed on public health matters, including those brought by PHAB Members.
• Support and amplify public awareness campaigns from DCHS, when requested.
• Support Interagency efforts related to public health promotion.
• Acknowledge individuals and organizations in Deschutes County who demonstrate excellence in Public Health through the annual Health Heroes Awards. 

If you have questions about the Public Health Advisory Board, please contact Deschutes County Health Services Project Manager Tom Kuhn at (541) 322-7410 or Thomas.Kuhn@deschutes.org