Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are covered in the Profile survey?
The core Profile survey, which is sent to every LHD in the U.S., includes questions on the following topics:
- Governance;
- Population served;
- Finances;
- Characteristics of top agency executive;
- LHD workforce;
- Activities and services provided;
- Emergency Preparedness;
- Activation of Emergency Operations Center (EOC);
- Health Disparities; and
- Community Health Assessment and Planning.
How will the 2008 Profile survey be administered?
The 2008 Profile will be administered electronically. The Web-based survey will allow you to complete the Profile during several different sittings, and you will be able to forward the survey link to others in your organization if you would like them to complete certain portions. You will be able to print a paper version of the survey instrument as well as a hard copy of your completed survey. NACCHO will provide a “pencil and paper” version of the Profile survey to LHDs who cannot complete the electronic version.
How is the information collected in the Profile study used?
Profile data are used by many people for many reasons:
- To provide benchmarks for states or individual LHDs to make comparisons;
- To influence public health policy;
- To support evidence-based public health practice research;
- To educate others in public health (e.g., governing bodies, CDC) about local public health; and
- To educate the future public health workforce about local health departments.
How can I get the information from the 2008 Profile study?
Information from the 2008 Profile is expected to be available in the summer of 2009.
