When Los Angeles experienced its worst public health crisis in 100 years, the city was ill-equipped to handle it. With no prior experience or capacity, L.A. County’s public health system had to rapidly build a system from scratch and scale up services to provide assistance to all of its residents. This challenge has led to the formation of the nation’s largest public health department. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) was established in April of 2018, coming into existence as a standalone department from two smaller county-run health agencies. The new department is now responsible for leading and managing programs promoting public health, disease prevention and health equity in Los Angeles County. The LACDPH is charged with leading the city’s response to the ongoing public health emergency related to the pandemic caused by the novel strain of the influenza virus, or flu – colloquially called “the flu.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is a public health department with a mission of promoting health and preventing disease. As the lead public health agency serving a population of over 10 million people in Los Angeles County, the LACDPH has a broad mandate that includes providing public health services, developing evidence-based policies, and engaging in community mobilization and education activities. It is the primary local health agency that is responsible for implementing the policies and programs established by the Board of Supervisors. The department was created in April 2018 as one of five standalone departments in L.A. County as a result of a merger between the Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH). The new department is now responsible for leading and managing programs promoting public health, disease prevention and health equity in Los Angeles County. The LACDPH is part of the County’s overall strategy to address the challenges outlined in the “LA-3025: A Proposed New Vision for Los Angeles” document.
The LACDPH has five key areas of responsibility: - Leading and managing programs promoting public health - Providing public health services - Developing policy and programs to reduce disparities - Conducting public health intelligence and outbreak response - Engaging in community mobilization and education activities
- Protecting the most vulnerable populations - Engaging communities to change health behaviors - Advancing equity through data - Building a healthy future for all - Integrating public health services - Collaborating with partners
The LACDPH is a service organization that has been operating for less than two years and has a very different culture than the former DHS and DPH. The LACDPH has invested heavily in hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce. It has also taken steps to foster collaboration and transparency across departments and organizations and has developed a strong culture of innovation. The LACDPH has committed to investing in people, processes and technology. It has also adopted a model of continuous improvement by partnering with others to create a culture of continuous learning. The LACDPH has invested in developing strong cultures of collaboration and innovation. It has also built strong cultures of trust, inclusion and open communication within the department and across the organization.
The LACDPH has adopted a new approach to strategic planning that includes identifying new ways to work with partners and identifying new opportunities. It is also addressing the challenges of a changing world and the need to adjust and respond more quickly to new demands. The LACDPH is addressing these challenges by investing in artificial intelligence, new technologies, a digital transformation, and the development of a digital strategy. The department has also focused on building a high-impact culture, growing the talent pipeline, addressing disparities, and strengthening public health preparedness.
The LACDPH has invested in creating an inclusive and diverse workforce by hiring from communities that are historically underrepresented in public health. The department is committed to building a pipeline of diverse talent and is investing in providing mentorship, training and career development opportunities for employees. It is also providing opportunities for employees to share their ideas and use their skills to solve real problems in the community. The LACDPH has set ambitious goals for the development of its workforce. It is committed to attracting the best talent and providing training and career development opportunities for employees.
The LACDPH has a collaborative approach to its work that includes partners from different sectors, communities and disciplines. The department has created a Culture of Collaborative Development that includes convening, listening and creating spaces for all stakeholders to come together to discuss issues. The department has also adopted a Culture of Partnership with other agencies and organizations in the city. This approach has led to successful collaborations that have helped the department improve its services and expand its reach. The LACDPH has also adopted an integrated approach to its work that includes partnering with external groups and individuals. This approach has helped the department identify new opportunities and expand its impact.
The LACDPH has a short history of operation and has been focused on implementing strategies and initiatives that will help the department build a strong foundation for the future. The department is working hard to build a robust culture of collaboration, trust, and trust in its ability to succeed. The LACDPH is committed to providing excellent public services and has invested heavily in hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce to do so. The department also has ambitious goals for growing its workforce and providing mentorship and training opportunities for employees.