Mission, Vision, and Values
A diagram of OLRH's Vision, Mission, and Values. We believe every person in Massachusetts can equitably access excellent local public health services to be their healthiest self. We work with partners to build capacity toward achieving efficient, effective, and equitable local public health services for all people. We are committed to advancing equity, promoting innovative public health practices; and strengthening partnerships.
Strategic Plan
The strategic plan supports the overarching vision, mission, and values of the Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH). It details each of the statements above and creates a plan for how our Office will achieve its goals.
- Priority Area One: Strengthen equity-centered office infrastructure
- Priority Area Two: Lead equitable local public health system improvements
Read the Strategic Plan | (DOCX)
Our Commitment to Racial Equity
OLRH, aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is committed to advancing racial equity to serve all Massachusetts residents and strengthen populations’ potential to create healthier municipalities throughout the state.
OLRH acknowledges the history as well as the current reality of structural racism and its impact on health. OLRH leads explicitly, but not exclusively, with race. The Office recognizes that people of color have experienced and continue to experience racism, discrimination, and oppression. The Office further acknowledges the historical and current oppression of other populations and the importance of valuing the multiple identities individuals hold.
The Office stands committed to working alongside local public health departments and Massachusetts' federally recognized Tribes to address racial equity. Improving the health outcomes of all requires an intentional focus on racial equity. This collective work aims to improve the quality of life for all people in the Commonwealth, while eliminating inequities that impact the lives of communities of color who are disproportionately affected by conditions leading to poor health outcomes.
Blueprint for Public Health Excellence
The Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health (SCLRPH) was established in August 2016 (Chapter 3 of the Resolves of 2016) to “assess the effectiveness and efficiency of municipal and regional public health systems and to make recommendations regarding how to strengthen the delivery of public health services and preventive measures”.
The Commission concluded its work with the release of its final report, Blueprint for Public Health Excellence: Recommendations for Improved Effectiveness and Efficiency of Local Public Health Protections (PDF) | (DOCX) in June 2019. The report documents the Commission’s findings and makes recommendations for strengthening local public health services across the Commonwealth.
About OLRH Units
OLRH is structured into four units, which follow the Special Commission Blueprint for Public Health Excellence recommendations.
OLRH Org Structure
OLRH organizational chart. Top level is the Office Director; 2nd level is the Office Deputy Director; 3rd level under the Deputy Director is each OLRH Business Unit with their responsibilities -- Performance Standards & Data Unit, Workforce Development Unit, Shared Services Unit. A 2nd level under the Office Director is the Engagement & Policy Unit.
Annual Report
This report showcases our recent efforts to enhance local public health services across Massachusetts and includes programmatic summaries, notable accomplishments, engagement efforts, and funding. We aim to highlight the ways in which OLRH both guides and partners with local public health in creating a strong local public health system.