Franklin Health Department seeks level 3 designation during upcoming state review

Franklin's Board of Health is poised for significant advancements as it prepares to apply for a Level 3 health department designation during its upcoming review in May. This decision, announced at the April 14 meeting, marks a strategic move to enhance public health services in the community.

Health Officer Lauren Gottlieb highlighted that the transition from a Level 2 to a Level 3 designation reflects the department's commitment to a more robust environmental health program. This includes a focus on critical issues such as lead and radon exposure, as well as the implementation of a new public health strategist role. Gottlieb emphasized that the department has been operating at a Level 3 capacity for some time, making this transition a natural progression rather than an increase in workload.

The review process, conducted by the state Department of Health Services, will assess the department's service delivery and community engagement. Gottlieb noted that while there are no direct costs associated with the upgrade, the department anticipates potential increases in grant funding as a result of achieving the higher designation.

In addition to the Level 3 application, the board discussed routine administrative updates, including the need to refresh the display of current staff and board members in the health department's waiting area.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of public health in Franklin, as the board prepares for the upcoming review and the potential benefits it could bring to the community.