# Visit a Public Health Agency

Part of the Public Health Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/public-health/guide/index.md)

*7. Public Health Agencies*

> **7a1.** Visit your city, county, state or federal public health agency.

If you visit an agency, pay attention to what it actually does for the community each day. Public health agencies are not just office buildings. They may manage inspections, disease reporting, maternal and child health programs, environmental testing, vaccination efforts, emergency planning, or public messaging.

## What to look for

Notice the connection between information and action. Where does the agency get health data? How does it decide what to warn the public about? Which programs are focused on prevention, and which are focused on response after a problem is already underway?

### Good questions to ask

- What are this agency's biggest public health concerns right now?
- How does the agency learn about disease outbreaks or environmental hazards?
- Which services are aimed at prevention?
- How does the agency work with schools, hospitals, emergency managers, or the public?
- What does the agency do during a disaster?

> **Be Prepared! How to get more from the visit**
>
> Before you go, look up the agency's main responsibilities so your questions are informed.
>
> - **Bring a notebook** for names of divisions, programs, and examples.
> - **Ask permission before photos** if you want to document the visit.
> - **Watch for systems** such as dashboards, forms, reports, or response plans.

A strong visit report should describe not only where you went, but how that agency protects people who may never meet the staff personally.

[NACCHO — Local Health Departments](https://www.naccho.org/): A national organization focused on county and city health departments. Helpful for understanding what local public health agencies do.

The website option covers the same broad topic from a different angle. Reading it will help even if you plan to complete the visit option.

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- Previous: [Choose Your Agency Research Path](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/public-health/guide/req7a/index.md)
- Next: [Investigate an Agency Website](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/public-health/guide/req7a2/index.md)