FAQs

FAQ

What is the LHD Academy of Science?

  • The LHD Academy of Science is the National Association of Local Health Department Data Collectors.  We serve in NACCHO member Health Departments. (We are NOT NACCHO)   Our member data collectors are dedicated to working together to calibrate LHD Surveys, data and methodology.

Why was the LHD Academy of Science established?

  • The LHD Academy of Science was established by NACCHO member Health Departments that wanted to come together to save money on an agreed-upon survey software, Create a Public Survey Library, and agree upon common best practices and measurements. We also want to securely benchmark and aggregate our data at the State and National level. 

What is the mission of the LHD Academy of Science?

  • Lower/Eliminate costs for data collection

  • Create a Public Library of LHD Surveys/Measurements

  • Unify the local health community on common measurements

How does the LHD Academy of Science work?

  • We are a government association that serves the local Health Department Data collector.  Our member groups sync monthly to share and agree upon common Health Department measurements.   Request a 20-minute demo by emailing faith@lhdacademyofscience.org

What is required to join the LHD Academy of Science?

  •  NACCHO membership is no longer a requirement, however it is still strongly recommended.

How are State Health Departments involved?

  • Many State Health Departments support and/or lead in the mission of AOS to bring together Local Health Departments to agree upon and standardize common measurements.  AOS member groups are encouraged to engage their State Health Departments and to work together with them.  AOS is grateful to the State of Michigan, Kentucky, Colorado, Nevada, and Kansas for their financial support of their AOS member groups.  We welcome more State Health Department support. This is a large undertaking

How are State Health Departments involved?

  • Many State Health Departments support the mission of AOS to bring together Local Health Departments to agree upon and standardize common measurements.  AOS member groups are encouraged to engage their State Health Departments and to work together with them.  AOS is grateful to the State of Michigan, Kentucky, Nevada, and Kansas for their financial support of their AOS member groups.  We welcome more State Health Department support. This is a large undertaking

How are SACCHO’s involved?

  • SACCHO’s like (MALPH) Michigan, (KALHD) Kanas, (KPHA) Kentucky and other State Associations play a critical role in the success of many of our AOS State Groups.  We have found that our AOS groups are more successful with the support of their SACCHO.  Each State group is encouraged to develop a strong relationship with the State SACCHO.  In many States, AOS leadership is appointed by their SACCHO leadership. This decision is made State by State by the AOS members in the State.  By coming together we can solve many problems.    Contact us for more information regarding your specific state.

What type of organization is the LHD Academy of Science?

  • The LHD Academy of Science is the National Association of (LHD) Local Health Department Data Collectors that serves NACCHO/SACCHO member Health Departments.  The AOS Board voted in July of 2021 to be a Limited Liability Company.  AOS handles the RFP and cooperative procurement process of all goods and services used by all AOS members, Onboarding of all Members, Monthly meetings, Events and Administration of the Association.  The Association was set up with the sole purpose to create a Public Library for Local Health Department Measurements. 

How is the CDC involved?

  • AOS is grateful for the leadership and guidance currently being offered to AOS by CDC Leadership.   AOS syncs monthly with many in CDC Leadership to gain guidance on how to better serve our AOS member Health Departments.  AOS also receives many grants from the CDC to support the mission of AOS.  More than 50% of our LHD Academy of Science programs are covered by various CDC grants.  We are grateful for their support.  The AOS Board has asked that Michelle Roth, a Public Health Analyst in the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at CDC sit on the AOS and advise the AOS board on data standardization issues.

Is the LHD Academy of Science a part of NACCHO?

  • Again, The LHD Academy of Science is NOT a NACCHO program.  However, we are a program led by NACCHO members.  Meaning all of our AOS members are strongly encouraged to be NACCHO paying dues members.  But All decisions related to AOS are governed by AOS membership and the AOS Board.   AOS is not a part of NACCHO’s infrastructure. 

How do I become a NACCHO member?

  • You would need to contact NACCHO by emailing: membership@naccho.org or call 877.533.1320 for more information.   

Why should I become an LHD Academy of Science member?

  •  Simplify data collection
  •  Make data collection easier with LHD specific templates
  •  Unify the local health Community on a common code

What type of organization is the LHD Academy of Science?

  • The LHD Academy of Science is a Government Association for (LHD) Local Health Department Data Collectors that serves NACCHO/SACCHO member Health Departments.  The AOS Board voted in July of 2021 to be a Limited Liability Company.  AOS handles the RFP and cooperative procurement process of all goods and services used by all AOS members.  The Association was set up with the sole purpose to create a Public Library for Local Health Department Measurements.ACCHOS 

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