Advancement of Public Health Practice

We advance public health practice through applied work with North Carolina counties and local agencies in our region and the country. We are deeply engaged in:

  • State accreditation for NC local health departments
  • National accreditation guidelines and implementation
  • Collaboration at the county level to advance public health outcomes and equity
  • Early career workforce training, pathway programs and leadership advancement
  • Public health preparedness and recovery

NC Local Health Department Accreditation

How does NCIPH support accreditation of local health departments?

Our NCLHDA program team provides resources and guidance to ensure that all North Carolina local health departments meet and exceed the state’s accreditation requirements.

  • The NCLHDA standards are based upon the National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPS).
  • The NPHPS framework assesses capacity and performance of public health systems using the framework outlined in the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
  • The ten essential services look at three core functions – assessment, assurance, and policy development – and define activities that should be a part of any public health system.

Why is accreditation important for N.C. public health?

Accreditation provides a vital structure to assess, maintain, assure and enhance the performance and effectiveness of local health departments – advancing goals to address quality improvement, health equity, social determinants of health, and other community priorities.

What is being done to improve the accreditation process?

Maintaining the value of accreditation is an ongoing process of quality improvement and public health partnership.

  • Since its initiation in 2002, the NCLHDA program has reaccredited all NC local health departments and laid the framework for national accreditation established through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
  • The NCLHDA Board is implementing a strategic planning process to modernize and streamline N.C.’s accreditation program. Recognizing the rapid changes in public health practice, the NCLHDA Board and Program developed a NCLHDA Strategic Work Planin Fall 2020 to guide its work over four years.
  • The program continues to track progress on priorities and goals outlined in the plan, which include revision of the standards and activities, reduction of duplication and integration of the Foundational Public Health Services.

Public Health Partnership Hubs

How is NCIPH connecting local needs with UNC Gillings faculty and resources?

Our team has established Public Health Partnership Hubs in Cumberland, Durham, Halifax, and Jackson counties as part of the 2022–2028 UNC Gillings Practice Strategic Plan. Hub coordinators connect health departments and community groups with UNC Gillings faculty and resources – with goals to:

  • Collaborate deeply to advance public health outcomes and equity in North Carolina
  • Support expert solutions designed to address specific community needs and dynamics
  • Identify resources, gaps, opportunities, funding, projects, strategies, and partnerships
  • Implement impactful projects for improved public health

Fellowship and Practicum Opportunities

What opportunities exist for fellows and practicum students?

The N.C. Division of Public Health, in partnership with NCIPH, offers recent graduates and early career professionals a DPH Fellowship Program. This opportunity is intended for those who are interested in working in public health for state government and may not meet the required experience level to qualify for state positions. DPH has over 1,100 positions statewide, covering a variety of expertise and skill sets.

Fellows in the program gain hands-on work experience, working as part of a team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of North Carolinians. Through the partnership with NCIPH, they receive monthly professional coaching sessions, attend monthly learning sessions, participate in peer-to-peer learning, and attend conferences.

This combination of practical work experience and professional support is designed to enable them to excel in a public health career in North Carolina.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Email us at nciph@unc.edu.
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135 Dauer Drive
221 Rosenau Hall, CB #8165
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8165
919-966-4609