Public Health

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2022 PCHHS-Division of Public Health Annual Report

Welcome to the 2022 Annual Report for the Portage County Division of Public Health! This report provides a deep review of public health activities for 2022 in a framework that reflects the standards and measures of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) national accreditation that we achieved as a division in 2019. The Division of Public Health remains a service under Portage County Health and Human Services and will continue to support the public health needs of our community through collaboration with our human services partners. Division of Public Health staff remains committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of Portage County residents and we welcome your feedback on how we can better serve you. Email Public Health if you have questions or suggestions.

Other Available Resources

The following resources are available with information on COVID-19

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Community Health

As a branch of public health, community health focuses on protecting and improving the health of a community. Community health nurses actively work in homes, schools, businesses, and the community to protect public health across the lifespan.

Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance

Assistors are trained and certified individuals who can help you apply and enroll in a health plan with savings based on your income and apply for Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). They are required to provide information that is fair, impartial, and accurate. Their services are free. Statewide assistance may also be available.

Public Health Planning/Preparedness

Public Health Emergency Preparedness program focuses on preparing for and responding to,, events that pose a substantial risk to the health of residents. The program supports and enhances the division's capacity to prepare for public health threats and emergencies through planning, exercising, responding, and training.

  • Public Health Emergency Plan
  • Mass Clinics
  • Community Readiness

WIC & Nutrition Services

Public health programming across the life span to improve the health of women, infants, and children through the promotion of healthy eating, physical activity, and nutrition education; early screening, intervention, and referral; and breast and cervical cancer screening referrals for good health.

Strategic Plan for 2016 to 2020

First Responder Safety

Risks regarding unknown substances can affect First Responder safety.  Please visit Public Health Planning/Preparedness page for more information.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The Wisconsin Online YRBS is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to monitor the health-risk behaviors of the nation's students. The most significant causes of mortality and morbidity during youth and adulthood have been found to be related to these behaviors. The behaviors monitored by the Wisconsin YRBS include traffic safety; weapons and violence; suicide; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behavior; and diet, nutrition, and exercise.

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2019 to 2023 Community Health Improvement Plan

Healthy People Portage County, in partnership with Portage County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health, worked to develop and release the 2019 to 2023 Community Health Improvement Process and Plan (CHIPP). This plan is the final product of a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-profits, coalition members, healthcare providers, schools, businesses, and community members. The CHIPP plan assists in mobilizing organizations, community members, and other stakeholders to work together on improving and preventing health issues in Portage County.

About Us

Mission:

  • Portage County Health and Human Services promote the health, safety, and well-being of Portage County residents.
  • The Division of Public Health fulfills this mission by assessing the health of Portage County and responding with programs and policies that optimize the well-being of the community.

Vision:

  • Community Leadership
    • We are dedicated to providing progressive leadership and the highest quality of services to the community.
  • Respect for Individual's Self Determination
    • We believe all residents have the right to pursue their highest potential for social, mental, financial, and physical health. We encourage and support a shared responsibility between the agency and the individual in this pursuit.
  • Collaboration and Coordination of Services
    • We are dedicated to creating an integrated delivery of services by working in partnership with our clients and all available resources.

Values

  • Integrity
    • We are committed to honesty, fairness, professionalism, and accountability. We provide services respectfully and with impartiality.
  • Relationships
    • We honor one another's contributions with mutual respect and civility, recognizing individual knowledge and skills. in all relationships, we encourage active collaboration to achieve common goals.
  • Excellence
    • We achieve and maintain quality outcomes through continuous performance improvement and learning. We use current science-based evidence to guide our work.

Strategic Planning Goals

  • Increase community awareness and understanding of public health services and the Division of Public Health.
  •  Promote workforce development and capacity.
  • Increase stakeholder communication and collaboration.
  • Attain national accreditation via the Public Health Accreditation Board maintaining standards and objectives.