Chapter 2: Settings Where Healthcare is Delivered
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
State and Local Public Health Departments
Public health departments provide care that is directed towards the greater well-being of the community, and are often funded through state and/or federal funds. They often provide services to communities that may be underserved or do not have adequate access to affordable healthcare. Primary care is one of the many services that can be provided through the state and local public health departments. Other services may include, access to pharmacies, dental care, substance abuse counseling, and care for mental health.
Sexual health clinics can be an extension of state and local health departments. These clinics provide care with a focus on sexual and reproductive health for men and women. These types of clinics offer a number of services, that include access to various contraceptive devices, sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, screenings for some types of cervical, testicular and breast cancers, administer vaccinations, provide HIV services, that include testing, treatment, education, and access to preventive medications. Additionally, these clinics may also provide abortion services or provide referrals and counseling.
Mobile health services may also be provided by state and local health departments. These mobile services aim to serve those in underserved communities, allowing them to have access to the care that they need.
Tribal Health
Tribal health refers to the healthcare services that are provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives, who belong to one of the many federally recognized tribes in the United States. Indian Health Services (IHS), is the principal provider of care for Indian people. It provides federal funding for health services to recognized tribes. The overarching mission of the IHS is to elevate the physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being of the American Indian and Alaska Native people to the absolute highest level. The healthcare services that are provided by the IHS are generally contracted and operated by private providers.
The Indian healthcare system has demonstrated success for rural healthcare programs for people across the world. As there is a strong emphasis on public health and outreach with the community through a variety of activities and events.
Schools
School health services provide students with some preventive care such as vision and hearing screenings, and flu vaccine administration. Oftentimes school health involves the engagement of families, this is an important element when it comes to supporting students with chronic health conditions. Building a strong foundation between school health and families promotes better communication and influences student success.
Jails And Prisons
Correctional facilities provide a wide range of health services to those who are incarcerated. The level and type of care that can be provided is dependent upon the individual correctional facility. In general, inmates can receive care and/or support for various medical, mental health, and substance abuse problems while being incarcerated.
Attributions
- Figure 2.6: APG Hosts Mass-Immunization Clinic – Jan. 14, 2022 by Aberdeen Proving Ground is released under CC BY 2.0