The objectives outlined in this project include:

• Through a broad community based steering committee, develop an understanding of what “Public Health” is, and its importance to the realization of a healthy community;
• Assess existing Public Health services that are currently offered and determine what is needed for the region by mapping out the existing or “de facto” public health entities and the extent of their delivery of public health functions and services;
• Explore “models” of Public Health systems that are applicable for rural, sparsely populated areas. We will study a number of different models, including one based on a community coalition structure, specifically looking at the PPHC as the foundation for such a system;
• Understand the economics of Public Health systems – how are they funded and sustained? We will develop a sample budget for core support, including commitments of in-kind and local support, which may serve as a prototype funding formula as well as developing strategies for sustainability of a local system;

• A community based Steering Committee determines if and in what form a Public Health system is feasible in Piscataquis County;
• The steering committee determines “who” will facilitate the development and implementation of a Public Health system, and how the three public health functions of assessment, assurance, and policy development are to be realized at the local level;