Key points
- The National Public Health Performance Standards (NPHPS) can be used to assess capacity and performance of public health systems and governing bodies.
- Learn where to obtain instruments, report templates, and other resources for performing NPHPS assessments.
Overview
The National Public Health Performance Standards (NPHPS) provide a framework to assess capacity and performance of public health systems and public health governing bodies. This framework can help identify areas for system improvement, strengthen state and local partnerships, and ensure that a strong system is in place for providing the 10 essential public health services.
Why it matters
Using the NPHPS assessment can help ensure that health agencies can respond effectively to both day-to-day public health issues and public health emergencies. The NPHPS can:
- Improve organizational and community communication and collaboration
- Educate participants about public health and the interconnectedness of activities
- Strengthen the diverse network of partners within state and local public health systems
- Identify strengths and weaknesses to address in quality improvement efforts
- Provide a benchmark for public health practice improvements
Performing an assessment
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) maintain the current version of the NPHPS assessment instruments and supporting resources, including report templates. NPHPS materials are available for three different audiences: state public health systems, local public health systems, and public health governing entities:
- State Public Health System Assessment Instrument [PDF – 296KB] - Focuses on state public health agencies and other partners that contribute to public health services at the state level.
- Local Public Health System Assessment Instrument - Focuses on all entities that contribute to public health within a community, including public, private, and voluntary entities, individuals, and informal associations.
- Public Health Governing Entity Assessment Instrument - Focuses on the board of health or other public health governing entity and its role in providing oversight for health department activities.
Results of the assessments should be incorporated into a broader planning process, such as a community health improvement process like Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP), a state health improvement process, or a local board of health strategic planning process.
Contacts
If you have questions about assessment resources, previous versions of the NPHPS, or CDC's role in the NPHPS program, email infrastructure@cdc.gov.