Governor Rell Signs Executive Order

Creating Regional Health District Council

State Examines Benefits of Regionalizing

Public Health Infrastructure

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she has established a special council to review the state’s public health system and recommend ways to regionalize the system, a move that will help local health districts and departments – continue to effectively protect their communities while benefiting from economies of scale.

“The people of Connecticut deserve a system capable of effectively monitoring and protecting their health,” Governor Rell said. “I believe the efficiencies achieved from a well-coordinated regional network will streamline and strengthen the system while helping to provide financial relief to local taxpayers.”

“The public health response to the recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza is just one more example of how local health departments provide critical public health services every day that are needed to protect the health of our residents, and the quality of life in our state,” stated Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “I applaud Governor Rell for creating this council, which will help ensure that every Connecticut resident has access to essential public health services.” 

The governor signed Executive Order No. 26 on May 12, creating the Governor’s Council for Local Public Health Regionalization, which will be made up of state and local officials. The Commissioner of the state Department Public Health (DPH) will serve as chairman. The council will also comprise:

·        Two DPH staff members;

·        Three local health directors recommended by the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health (CADH);

·        One member from CADH

·        One member from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities;

·        One member of the Council of Small Towns;

·        Two members from local Boards of Health appointed by the state Public Health Commissioner;

·        One member from the Office of Policy & Management

The executive order, which takes effect immediately, requires that the council submit to the Governor a public health infrastructure regionalization plan within six months of its first meeting.