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Objectives. We explored the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and activities of Early Head Start (EHS) staff members, parents, and pregnant women, along with their suggestions related to future oral health educational interventions targeting EHS children. Methods. Nine focus groups were conducted with EHS staff, parents, and pregnant women. Audiotapes of sessions were transcribed and entered into ATLAS.ti 5.0 for coding and analysis. Results. Attitudes about the importance of children's oral health among parents and pregnant women were mixed. Staff members voiced responsibility for children's oral health but frustration in their inability to communicate effectively with parents. Parents in turn perceived staff criticism regarding how they cared for their children's oral health. Gaps were noted in the oral health activities of EHS programs. Participants expressed confusion regarding the application of Head Start oral health performance standards to EHS. The need for culturally sensitive, hands-on oral health education was highlighted. Conclusions. Tailored, theory-based interventions are needed to improve communication between EHS staff and families. Clear policies on the application of Head Start oral health performance standards to EHS are warranted. Educational activities should address the needs and suggestions of EHS participants. (Am J Public Health. 2009;99:245-251. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.133827) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An evaluation of a state-local negotiation process to implement Model Standards in 18 California local health departments was conducted during 1985-87. Model Standards specific to California were developed by state and local public health officials for seven programs. Nine counties participated in state-local negotiations to set performance standards in these seven programs. During the two-year effort, greater use of Model Standards and more improvement in local program performance occurred in local health departments that participated in the state-local negotiation process. The use of Model Standards appeared to contribute to establishing program priorities, emphasizing the measurement of outcomes, improving data management systems, and evaluating the current performance of programs. While this state-local negotiation process is suggested as the preferred approach to encouraging the use of Model Standards in local health departments, it must be recognized that this process requires time and commitment of resources from both the state and local levels. (Am J Public Health 1989; 79:969-974.) INSET: AIDS Triggers Increase in State Worker Notification Laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current methods of profile monitoring, standards of acceptability (cut-offs) are set either by consulting panels of experts, or by selecting an arbitrary point (e.g., the 75th percentile) on the profile (statistical distribution). However, experts have only vague ideas of what outcome rates ought to be, while profile statistics stem from samples for which unknown percentages of cases have received acceptable care. Poorly chosen standards could cause profile monitoring to be ineffective, inefficient, or unnecessarily disruptive. A new method proposes to set standards by using statistics for which the percentage of adequate care has been predetermined by examining the process of care. Plans to circumvent the pitfalls involved are described, as are two approaches to estimating the degree of process adequacy from routinely produced outcome rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over 80 per cent of a national sample of local health agencies in the United States, minimum program standards are specified by the state, by law, regulation, or some other policy method. The performance standards that are used are a mix of state and local standards, with one-third of the agencies reporting that the Model Standards were used in developing their own standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant economization of taxpayers resources ($5.5 million per year) is the result of a major restructuring of the tuberculosis control program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Concomitantly improved patient management has accelerated the decline in the incidence of tuberculosis while maintaining recommended federal performance standards. The reasons for the success in obtaining this high degree of efficiency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the joint resolution of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and other health organizations in the U.S. in support of the National Public Health Performance Standards Program. The organizations include the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the National Association of Local Boards of Health, the Public Health Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. APHA advocates the implementation, including appropriate quality management standards and performance indicators for mental health services, of the National Public Health Performance Standards Program nationwide.

The article discusses the role of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in defining and outlining the health role in housing. The association's Basic Health Principles of Housing and the Residential Environment outlines and documents the goals medical personnel seek to achieve in planning, building and managing housing and residential environment. The principles are being used as a significant guide in federal development of performance standards for housing and its environment. APHA-U.S. Public Heal Service Recommended Housing Ordinance developed the most important portions of the Basic Health Principles as legally enforceable minimum standards for all housing.

The article reports on the establishment of the American Public Health Association (APHA) Awards for Excellence in Promoting and Protecting the Health of the People by APHA. The awards program, made possible by a generous gift from The Sarah and Matthew Rosenhaus Peace Foundation, is reportedly designed to continue the association's long tradition of recognizing major contributors to the protection of the public health. Through the program, two individuals will be chosen each year for their outstanding contributions to health; one in the field of international health and the other is in the field of domestic health in the U.S.