Kansas’ public health system is decentralized, with 100 local public health departments that cover all 105 counties. Ten of those local health departments serve counties with more than 50,000 residents; 65 serve counties with less than 10,000 residents.

Along with the state’s rural composition, Kansas has long had a tradition of “home rule,” where local governments make their own laws that are not covered by state statute, or are more stringent than state laws. Local governments traditionally supply most of the funding to the public health system as well.

To ensure that all Kansas residents receive basic, essential public health services, Kansas health leaders have established a regional cooperation approach. This approach allows local health departments to work together in groups that provide those services. Public health regions will have greater leverage to provide essential public health services to Kansans and meet accreditation standards.

This presentation, delivered during a session of the American Public Health Association's 2009 annual conference, provides an overview of Kansas' efforts to reach proposed national public health accreditation standards through regional cooperation, quality improvement and performance management.