Local Health Department Web Page Template: A Review of Website Content of the 20 Largest US Metropolitan Areas

Introduction: The Internet is becoming a primary source for public information; it is vital that public health departments keep up with this growing technology. A template was created as a basis for website development to standardize information provided by local public health departments.

Methods: We comprehensively reviewed 35 websites that describe public health services of the 20 most highly populated metropolitan areas in the US. Links and information from these websites were analyzed to determine which were most frequently referenced. Unique relevant sites were identified as additional recommended links.

Results: Approximately 100 common categories of information were identified. The top 21 categories may be summarized in three sections: Public Health Services (HIV/AIDS, Immunizations, STDs, TB, Communicable Diseases, Family Planning/Reproductive Health, Nutrition, WIC, Vital Records, Children's Services, Dental Health, and School Health); Environmental Health Services (General Environmental Health, Food Safety, Tobacco Control, and Lead Poisoning Prevention); Other Services (Pet/Humane Services, Injury/Violence Prevention, Substance Abuse, EMS, and Job Opportunities). Of the 35 sites reviewed, 9 (26%) linked to CDC, 8 (23%) linked to Healthy People 2010, 4 (11%) linked to APHA, 2 (6%) linked to Poison Control, and only 1 (3%) linked to their state health department. Several sites addressed regional emerging infection issues; none provided information or links related to bioterrorism.

Conclusions: Public health departments need standardization in their website content. We have created a comprehensive template consisting of relevant topics and links to be used for public health department website development.