The public health system and health promotion organizations of the United States of America

Abstract

In the article we present the lessons learned from studying the public health system and health promotion organizations of the United States of America, to determine the possible directions for further development of the Hungarian health promotion network. We briefly describe the main roles of the public administration levels and organizations in the public health system, present relevant strategies and legislation affecting the development and functioning of the public health system, and summarize the tasks and activities of organizations at federal, state and community level. The public health system in the United States is less characterized by a strong hierarchical structure, instead focuses on the principle of subsidiarity: all functions and tasks are carried out at the lowest possible operating level, however they also receive professional and financial support from the federal goverment, if need arises. Different operational models of the Local Health Departments (operating at community level) have emerged, but an important lesson is that the service portfolio and human resources of these organizations reflects the size ofthe population. The work of the Local Health Departments is supported by a professional umbrella organization, that serves as a methodological centre for service protocols, promoting the development and standardization of the quality of public health services. Many organizations carry out extensive public health research, and the departments of National Institutes of Health specializes on different disciplines of health.