Strengthening Emergency Department Health Initiatives Through Partnership With Health Departments and Community Organizations.

Overview

The emergency department (ED) increasingly functions as the medical safety net for the American public, many of whom have complex social needs. Public health interventions can help reduce ED utilization but often require ongoing social services not available in the ED. Collaborations among the ED, public health departments, and other community organizations can lead to successful population health interventions that would not be possible in isolation. The ED is an optimal location for the detection of new cases of existing infectious diseases as well as novel pathogens, such as COVID-19, and disease surveillance in the ED plays a critical role in public health interventions for infectious diseases. Screening for food insecurity and referral through the ED has increased the number of patients receiving assistance. Similarly, community referral for patients experiencing homelessness can improve housing access, with a corresponding reduction in ED utilization. Developing partnerships among EDs, health departments, and community organizations can improve the impact of public health interventions and reduce barriers for both patients and medical staff.