The Bureau of Local Public Health Services promotes and supports development of public health infrastructure at the local and state level. This includes consultation by Regional Community Health Consultants with local boards of health and provision of technical assistance regarding the boards' role and responsibilities. Communities benefit through increased capacity to plan and implement health promotion activities and education to get the people the information they need to make healthy choices. Through financial support, education, ongoing technical assistance and monitoring, the bureau supports the development and delivery of services that promote and protect the health of Iowans and contribute to Iowa being a "healthy community". The regional field staff assists the local boards of health and local public health agencies to develop quality and effective services that are community-driven, culturally appropriate and responsive to their Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan and consistent with federal or state regulations and/or funding requirements.

The Local Public Health Services Grant provides funding to each county for local programs that help Iowans engage in healthy behaviors, improve access to health services for those who "fall between the cracks" and often have no other options, and strengthen the public health infrastructure. The grant is considered "funder of last resort" and is utilized only when no other funding source exists.

• Regional Community Health Consultant County Assignments   
• Regional Map  
• FY11 LPHSC Accountability Outcome Report  

What services are provided through the Local Public Health Services funding?

Local Public Health Services activities include, but are not limited to:

• Communicable disease surveillance, investigation, and follow-up;
• Immunization clinics;
• Personal care and support services including home care aide and homemaker services;
• Skilled nursing visits in the client's home;
• Screening services including blood pressure and blood glucose;
• Health education to community groups; and
• Prevention programs like fall prevention, bike safety, and home safety inventories.

The Bureau of Local Public Health Services supports local public health through:

• Education designed to build and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide local public health services and build healthier communities;
• Support for local needs assessment and community organizing processes necessary to encourage community change for improved health;
• Technical assistance in resolving community health issues, problems, or concerns; and
• Local Public Health Services funding

Why are local public health services important to promoting and protecting the health of Iowans?

• All Iowans deserve a local public health system that supports local capacity to assess, plan, and implement local health improvements.
• Local boards of health are responsible for public health in their jurisdiction and assure that all communities have services that help promote healthy behaviors and self-management of chronic disease.
• Local public health services exist in all of Iowa's 99 counties and help those especially vulnerable populations access health related services, which promotes healthy Iowans and healthier communities.