About Us
The Uncas Health District
The UHD operates as an independent, non-profit organization under Connecticut General Statutes. It extends its services to a population of 100,575 residents across eleven municipalities in Eastern Connecticut, catering to various public health needs.
Service Offerings
Understanding a Local Health Department
According to the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), a local health department is formally recognized as a governmental agency with primary statutory authority. Its purpose revolves around promoting and safeguarding public health while preventing diseases within a specific jurisdiction or group of smaller jurisdictions. The establishment of authority can stem from constitutional, statutory, or regulatory provisions at the state level, or through local ordinances or cooperative agreements.
PHAB's Definition
The PHAB's definition of a local health department outlines the diverse nature of such entities, which can range from locally governed health departments to branches of centralized state health departments. These departments can take the form of city, county, district, or regional health authorities, emphasizing their flexibility in governance structures.
Public Health Accreditation Board's Role
The Public Health Accreditation Board plays a pivotal role in setting standards and benchmarks for accrediting public health entities. This accreditation process ensures that health departments meet specified criteria for efficiency and effectiveness in their services.
The 10 Essential Public Health Services
Aligned with its mission to safeguard public health, the district adheres to the framework of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. These services form the foundation for protecting and promoting the health of all individuals across various communities, emphasizing a universal commitment to public health initiatives and services.