Governance
First District Health Unit is governed by the FDHU Board of Health. By statute, each county that is a member of First District Health Unit appoints members to the board. Each county served by First District Health Unit has at least one member on the Board of Health. The Board of Health holds quarterly meetings which are open to anyone who would like to attend.
Funding
First District Health Unit is funded primarily by county, state, and federal dollars. Additional revenue is received through consumer fees, donations, and contracts. The Board of Health prepares a budget for each fiscal year and submits that budget to each board of county commissioners for approval. A public hearing is held in every county comprising the district prior to a meeting of the Joint Board of County Commissioners. Action taken by the Joint Board of County Commissioners reflects the record of each county and the budget is then final.
Federal dollars are received through the process of contracting for programs.
Fees for medical services and licensing are established by the Board of Health. Programs such as WIC and Family Planning have income guidelines determined by the Federal Government. Fee scales and income qualification guidelines are available at any FDHU office.
First District Health Unit has contracts with public and private organizations to perform certain services such as consultation and medical services. The contracts are reviewed and renewed on an annual basis.
Community Assessment
First District periodically assesses the health of the community, including factors that influence and contribute to health. The most recent is the 2015 Community Health Assessment.