About Us

The Office of Public Health Infrastructure (OPHI) works to strengthen New Jersey’s local public health system and improve the performance and practice of local health departments.  We do this by:

• Providing a legal framework for the operation of local public health agencies through the Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health in New Jersey (N.J.A.C 8:52).

• Evaluating the performance of local health departments and regional systems to assure the provision of quality public health services and programs in accordance with the Public Health Practice Standards.

• Promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of local health departments through consultation and technical assistance.

• Developing the core competencies and capabilities of the public health workforce through credentialing, accreditation and promotion of training and continuing education opportunities.

• Licensing Health Officers and Registered Environmental Health Specialists.

• Supporting regional public health systems that promote collaboration and coordination among local public health departments and other community partners.

• Administering Public Health Priority Funding and other grant funding to eligible local health agencies to support the provision of priority health services and the core functions of public health.

• Responding to the public’s interest and need for information about the responsibilities of, and services available from, local health departments in New Jersey.

• Researching scientifically-based best practices in public health.