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Ministry of Health

Core Public Health Functions

The Ministry of Health, is committed to renewing and strengthening public health in BC. The Ministry has identified a set of core public health functions that, over time, all Health Authorities will be expected to perform. These core functions are described in full in the report A Framework For Core Functions In Public Health (PDF 1.4M). A summary document is also available: Overview of Core Functions in Public Health (PDF 253K).

The Core Public Health Functions site has been developed to support the implementation of the core  public health services in British Columbia. Core public health functions define and describe the public health activities of a comprehensive public health system and one of those core functions is the provision of core public health programs, which is the principal focus of this website.

A site map (called Quickfinder) has been created to provide one-stop access to material for each of the public health service areas. Through this map you can easily gain access to health status data, legislation and policy, evidence reviews , model core program papers (includes information on best practices, program components, and key performance measures and benchmarks). Alternatively, you can navigate by placing the cursor over any key element of the Framework below.

Core Public Health Functions

Public Health Strategies Health Emergency Management System Capacity Environmental Health Disease, Injury, & Disability Prevention Health Improvement Core Programs Health Promotion Health Protection Preventive Interventions Health Assessment & Disease Surveillance Population Lens Inequalities Lens

This diagram of the Core Functions Framework (PDF 131K) shows how these functions are related to each other. The main components of the framework are:

Core Public Health Programs – long-term programs, representing the minimum level of public health services that health authorities would provide in a renewed and modern public health system. Core Programs are organized to improve health; they can be assessed ultimately in terms of improved health and well-being and/or reductions in disease, disability, and injury.

Core Public Health Strategies – strategies by which core programs are implemented.

The Population Lens and the Inequalities Lens ensure the health needs of specific populations are addressed.

Core Public Health Capacity – the health information systems, quality management, research and knowledge development, and staff training and development capacity needed to apply public health strategies and implement core programs.

The development and implementation of core public health functions  is guided by a provincial Core Programs Steering Committee.

The site was developed primarily for public health professionals, but may be of interest to the public, and is intended to provide access to resource materials such as:

  1. framework documents
  2. evidence reviews
  3. model core program papers
  4. links to key resource sites
  5. health status data, and
  6. relevant policy and legislation.

    7. *This web site has been created for health professionals administering and performing public health services in British Columbia. While members of the public may find useful information on this site, it is recommended that they consult HealthLinkBC which provides an on-line or by phone navigation service to help BC residents find health resources and facilities they require. This would include updates to the BC HealthGuide Handbook, the BC First Nations HealthGuide Handbook, HealthLink BC Files, and and an 8-1-1 service to speak to nurse, pharmacist or dietitian. The BC Wellness Atlas is another useful source of information about the health of British Columbians, and provides data at both a regional and a local level.