Q: What is the Public Health Network?
A: The New Hampshire Public Health Network (NHPHN) includes a variety of regional entities working together to develop improved local systems for assuring health including increased capability to effectively respond to emergent public health threats.
The Network is comprised of community-based partnerships involving broad public health interests in a community including local health departments and health officers, fire, police, emergency medical services, health care providers, social service agencies, schools, business and faith leaders working together to address complex public health issues.
Q: Is my town part of a public health network?
A: As of 2005, there are fourteen public health partnerships in New Hampshire. These partnerships serve nearly 50% of New Hampshire towns and 70% of New Hampshire residents. View a map of New Hampshire to find the public health network in your area.
Q: How can I (my organization) get involved?
A: The public health network welcomes participation at the local level. Individuals and organizations representing the broad public health interests in a community are encouraged to get involved. Please contact the public health network coordinator in your region for information about how to join.
Q: How is the public health network funded?
A: Funding for the public health network was initially provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of their Turning Point Initiative. In 2001, the State of New Hampshire expanded funding for the public health network using funds received from the Center's for Disease Control (CDC). CDC funding is provided to strengthen the public health infrastructure to better respond to public health emergencies including bioterrorism events. Additional funding for the public health networks is provided by grants and contracts and community support.
Q: What if there is no public health network in my community?
A: The State of New Hampshire seeks to establish additional public health partnerships at the local level as funds become available. If you are interested in learning more about the public health network and how to establish a partnership in your community contact the NH DHHS Division of Public Health Services.