Public Health
Introduction
Public Health is dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of our military community through proactive health programs, disease prevention, and risk management. We support active duty service members, dependents, retirees, and all TRICARE beneficiaries by providing a range of services, promoting a healthy and mission-ready force.
Our Mission
To enhance force readiness and community health by preventing disease, promoting healthy practices, and managing occupational and environmental health risks.
Public Health Services
Public Health is divided into two key sections: Force Health Management and Community Health.
Force Health Management
- Deployment Medicine: Medical clearances, pre- and post-deployment health assessments, and readiness tracking.
- Occupational Health: Monitoring workplace health risks, conducting health risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Hearing Conservation: Audiometric testing and education to prevent hearing loss in high-risk environments.
- Fetal Protection Program: Assessing workplace hazards to ensure the safety of pregnant service members.
- Medical Employee Health Program: Health surveillance for medical personnel to ensure a safe work environment.
Community Health
Community Health focuses on protecting the public from health risks in the environment and community through:
- Communicable Disease Surveillance & Control: Monitoring, investigating, and controlling the spread of infectious disease
- Medical Entomology (Vector Surveillance): Identifying and controlling disease-carrying insects (e.g., mosquitos, ticks) to prevent vector-borne diseases
- Food Safety & Protection:
- Food handler training for base personnel
- Routine inspections for food facilities to ensure proper sanitation
- Foodborne illness investigations
- Public Facility Sanitation: Health and safety inspections and public area, including child care facilities, gyms, and recreational spaces
Travel Medicine & Medical Intelligence
If you’re preparing for international travel, Public Health provides:
- Travel Medicine Consultations: Guidance on health risks, country specific medial requirements, and preventive measures
- Travel Vaccination Requirements:
- Bring a current copy of your immunization record and a complete traveler’s worksheet (provided by Public Health) when visiting the Immunizations Clinic
- Check with Public Health for specific vaccination recommendations before scheduling immunizations
Deployment Medical Readiness
We coordinate with Unit Deployment Managers and commanders to track readiness status and provide:
How to Access Public Health Services
- Self-Referral: Service members can reach out directly to Public Health for guidance or concerns
- Command Referral: Leadership may refer individuals for occupational health evaluations or deployment related clearances
- Scheduled Appointments: Pre-deployment briefings, occupational health evaluations, and travel consultations are available by appointment
For more information, contact Public Health at 580-481-5488, message us securely through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal at Altus Public Health, or walk into the Public Health Department.