Researchers at the Fairbanks School of Public Health have examined the current state of Indiana’s public health system in a new report, “Indiana Public Health System Review.” In particular, our report focuses on the centerpiece of the public health system – the network of local and state governmental public health agencies – their structure, human and financial resources, authorities, and activities.
Public health and health care experts as well as business and policy leaders across Indiana provided insight into the current state of public health. After examining the scientific evidence and the insights provided by the stakeholders, we have developed four overarching recommendations with 15 implementation steps necessary to improve the capacity and effectiveness of Indiana’s public health system.
The COVID-19 pandemic sounded the alarm for the shortcomings of our current public health system. We hope that this report bolsters and supports the work our dedicated state and local public health workers perform without the resources they need to do the best job they can.
The work we do in public health matters now more than ever. Disease spreads regardless of where you live or what you believe. The status quo is no longer sufficient.
Together, we can change the health of Indiana.