FAQs for Community Health Development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I contact my local Public Health Network?
2. What is the Public Health Network's role in implementing core public health services in their region?
3. What are the requirements to be appointed as a local health officer? How is the appointment made? How long is the term?
4. Can a local health officer have deputy health officers?
5. Can someone serve as the health officer for several towns at the same time?
6. What are the roles and responsibilities of local health officers?
7. What services does the Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) library provide?

Questions & Answers:
1. How do I contact my local Public Health Network?	Back to top
The Community Health Development section provides support to 14 local agencies to implement Public Health Networks (PHNs). The Public Health Network Coalitions and Service Areas list provides contact information and identifies the area covered by each PHN.

2. What is the Public Health Network's role in implementing core public health services in their region?	Back to top
The Public Health Networks (PHNs) are charged with coordinating public health services to assure the implementation of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. They will convene community stakeholders in a process to assess the current needs of the local public health system, lead the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan, and, working with a wide variety of local partners, implement public health programs and services to address the priorities identified in the Plan.

3. What are the requirements to be appointed as a local health officer? How is the appointment made? How long is the term?	Back to top
Being a resident of New Hampshire is the only requirement. The Commissioner of NH DHHS appoints health officers in response to a recommendation from the local Board of Selectmen. However, if a local health officer's term expires, and the Board of Selectman does not forward a recommendation, the Commissioner may appoint a health officer without such recommendation. The regular term of appointment is for three years.

4. Can a local health officer have deputy health officers?	Back to top
Yes, a health officer may, subject to the approval of the selectman and the Commissioner of DHHS, appoint deputy health officers.

5. Can someone serve as the health officer for several towns at the same time?	Back to top
Yes, both health officers and their deputies can be appointed by several towns upon recommendation of the selectmen of each of the towns and the Commissioner of DHHS.

6. What are the roles and responsibilities of local health officers?	Back to top
Under state law, health officers are responsible for enforcing public health laws and rules in the communities they serve; conducting sanitary investigations; and upon reasonable information, personal knowledge, or belief, entering onto private property, but not into any living quarters, to investigate, and, if necessary, take appropriate action to prevent pollution of any aquifer or body of water. In addition to these legal requirements many health officers provide information and referrals to residents regarding a wide range of health concerns.

7. What services does the Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) library provide?	Back to top
The DPHS library maintains a collection of print and audiovisual materials for loan to health care professionals, educators, employers, and state residents. The library downlinks and tapes many satellite conferences each year, which are available for loan. The library collection focuses primarily on public health emergency preparedness and response; general health promotion; curriculum development; healthcare assessment tools; and program evaluation materials. Two library catalogs identify materials available for loan.