Agency and Role Paper

Introduction

There are several types of health agencies within the United States that share common goals and complete similar tasks. They work together collaboratively to keep the environment and the control of disease under control. The federal, state and local health department all strive to promote and maintain health of the entire population. The state Department of Health is resposinible on a state level and strives for healthier conditions. There are many aspects at the state level that include funding, constituencies, the structure and regulatory control, all which allows them to set forth to achieving their mission and goals.

Description of the Agency

The Michigan Department of Health was created in 1996 and consolidated portions of the Department of Public Health, Department of Mental Health and the Medical Services Administration (Michigan.gov). They are responsible for the collection of information on a wide range of health related information. The information is collected to monitor the general health and well-being of MichiganÐŽ¦s citizens. The department, one of the largest in state government, is responsible for health policy and management of the stateÐŽ¦s publicly-funded health service system.

Purpose of the Agency

The Michigan Department of Health, set goals to maintain and to execute. The goals of the department are to strive for healthier conditions and include:

Ñ"ж Promote access to the broadest possible range of quality services and supports.

Ñ"ж Take steps to prevent disease, promote wellness and improve the quality of life.

Ñ"ж Strive for the delivery of those services and support in a fiscally manner.

Some of the services that are operationlize and integrated components include Medicaid health care coverage for people with limited incomes, mental health services for people with mental illness or disabilities, health promotion, disease prevention, drug enforcements, treatment and education. In order for Michigan to accomplish these goals, funding for health services (60.5%) comes from the Federal Government in the form of operating grants. The remainder of the health services funding is provided from general revenues of the states, principally taxes (Michigan.gov). They for see Michigan being a safe and healthy state where all people realize their fullest health potential and live enriched and productive lives (Michigan.gov).

Constituencies Served by the Michigan Department of Health

The Michigan Department of Health is responsible for the entire state of Michigan and may have a variety of constituencies covered. They provide many programs that may help families in need with assistance for medical, nutritional, food, day care or other expenses. The department encompasses a wide array of the public and includes: adults, children and teens, senior citizens, pregnant women or persons with disabilities. Some of the services they provide are broken down by specific guidelines that they must follow or a specific group they must fall into.

Structure of the Agency

The Michigan Department of health is a large and complex organization and has a very comprehensive structure. The organizational chart begins at the top with the Governor, who is voted in by election. Next, are the Public Information and Communication Department and the Chief Medical Officer both that take on the responsibility of the Health Department. The Department of Health has a director that is appointed by the governor. The responsibility of the director is to manage and maintain the health policy and goals for the state of Michigan. The director of this area is also accompanied by the Nursing Chief Executive. The role of the Nursing Chief Executive is to provide professional nursing leadership, expertise and coordination in the nursing workforce and health policy development. Among the many departments in the state it is necessary to have the structure in order to effectively carry out the goals and health of MichiganÐŽ¦s citizens.

Regulatory