The Local Public Health Program in the Bureau of Community Health Systems works to strengthen and improve the public health system in Kansas. Regional public health specialists provide mentoring support to local health departments, serving as liaisons between the local health departments and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The Local Public Health team focuses on the following goals:
- Increasing the capacity of local health departments by providing operational support, workforce development, funding and connection to needed resources.
- Increasing coordination and collaboration between the state health department, local health departments and other public health partners.
- Strengthening the voice of and increasing the support for local health departments by providing assistance in navigating complex challenges in their community.