Topic 1.2 Overview of the Public Health Assessment Process

The Process in Brief

The basic process for conducting a public health assessment is the same for all sites. The methods of evaluating site data and conditions are the same, even though the results of the evaluation may be presented in different types of written reports.

Click on the headings below to see what the evaluation process covers.

Identifying actual human contact (also called exposure) with chemicals in the environment
Identifying the types of illnesses that might be related to contact with chemicals from the site
Recommending health-based follow-up actions, such as an exposure investigation
Recommending ways to reduce or prevent exposures

Performing medical examinations of individuals in the community
Determining whether illnesses found in a community are actually associated with exposure to site-related chemicals
Establishing site clean-up levels

General outline for a public health assessment document

Summary
*Purpose and Statement of Health Issues
Background
Discussion
Community Health Concerns
Conclusions
Recommendations
Public Health Action Plan
Preparers of the Report
References

* A separate discussion on child health considerations is required in all PHAs.

This topic is covered in more detail in the companion course: “Public Health Assessment Overview 3- Evaluating Health Effects Data and Determining Conclusions and Recommendations.”

General outline for a health consultation document

*Summary
Background and Statement of Health Issues
Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations
Public Health Action Plan, if applicable
Response to Public Comments, if applicable
References
Appendices (as required)

* A summary is optional in a PHC, but recommended when it is lengthy or technically complex.

This topic is covered in more detail in the companion course: “Public Health Assessment Overview 3- Evaluating Health Effects Data and Determining Conclusions and Recommendations.”

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