ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊβs Center for Public Policy and Health has released a brief report pertaining to the current knowledge of the impacts of local health department consolidation both nationally and in the state of Ohio. The document reviews both scholarly and professional literature relating to the impacts of local health department consolidation. The report was intended to serve as a resource for local officials to gain a better understanding of the impacts of the process.
The report summarizes information regarding the changing public health threats and practices and the landscape of health departments both nationally and in Ohio. The report also includes the four options for health department consolidations outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Furthermore, the report presents an outline of three major impacts of local health department consolidations: cost-savings and public health service efficiencies, public health service improvements, and transition effects of local health department consolidation on health department operations.