DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LOCAL PUBLIC-HEALTH SYSTEMS

This article, presented at the Research and Measurement of Public Heal th Core Functions Science Symposium sponsored by the Centers for Disea se Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 1994, provides selected data f rom the 1992-1993 National Profile of Local Health Departments. The Na tional Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), in co operation with the CDC Public Health Practice Program Office, recently completed the 1992-1993 National Profile of Local Health Departments. This study describes public health at the local level and updates the first Profile study, conducted in 1989. The study population included 2,888 local health departments (LHDs) in the United States. Responses were received from 72% of LHDs. Comparisons are made with the 1990 Pr ofile where available. This article provides a selected overview of th e information contained in the 1992-1993 Profile and includes structur e of LHDs, top agency executive, staffing, expenditures, and planning. The findings have important ramifications for community health planne rs and policy makers at all levels. With the ongoing potential for cha nge in the U.S. health care system, reliable data establishing baselin es and monitoring trends in public health at the local level are impor tant. The information in this report, and the 1992-1993 National Profi le of Local Health Departments, updates and expands the available know ledge of LHD structures and activities.