Masks: Yes, PHD can do that
Since Panhandle Health District joined the swelling ranks in the U.S. with a mask mandate last week, some unhappy with the decision have questioned that authority.
It is, indeed, in their purview to decide.
While Gov. Brad Little has recommended masks and social distancing via his “One Idaho” campaign, he left the decision to local cities and health districts — such as Panhandle Health in Region 1. The day following PHD’s vote, Wallace joined other Idaho cities, including Boise, which now require masks in public areas where a 6-foot distance can’t be maintained.
Mission. Generally speaking, the mission of local public health departments is to support and guide community health, provide limited medical services to low-income residents, and lead local efforts to reduce and prevent the spread of disease. In North Idaho, Panhandle Health District also provides flu shots, basic health care, and general health education.
What they do. Created in 1970 by Idaho Code, Idaho’s seven health districts are primary outlets for such services. Each district is an independent agency governed by a board appointed by (and including) county commissioners. While those board members aren’t necessarily health professionals, the district’s staff includes nurses and nurse practitioners, dentists, nutritionists, and environmental health specialists.
Services vary by district. PHD’s 40-plus programs include education and prevention efforts, routine exams, non-emergency medical care, immunizations, pediatric care, women’s health exams, sports physicals, cancer screenings, diabetes care and prevention, senior health, mental health and drug abuse, limited dental services for children and pregnant women — all low-cost or free, based on income.
Each Idaho health district also has a Citizen Review Panel on child protection. The volunteer panel supports prevention and treatment efforts for young victims of child abuse or neglect. Some of its members are former victims themselves; others are expert in the field. They review child protection cases which have been in court longer than six months, making recommendations on potential improvements to the system.
COVID-19 role. Local health districts are responsible for “epidemiologic surveillance,” or the systematic collection, recording, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data on the epidemic (and any other health issue potentially impacting the population as a whole). Their epidemiologists are like disease detectives who investigate and keep track of cases in the five northern counties. Monthly public reports are posted at Panhandlehealthdistrict.org.
They’re also responsible for educating the public, issuing health alerts, and recommending and enforcing any restrictions needed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases — such as face coverings and distancing guidelines.
Whether you agree with the experts who recommend masks or the ones who don’t, for now it’s the law in Kootenai County along with many other American cities. Arguments that mask requirements violate the Constitution — similar to historical objections against once-mandatory vaccines, public clothing requirements, and other “time, place, and manner” restrictions on First Amendment expression — have been tried and rejected by the Supreme Court as within the purview of government in face of a “compelling (public) interest.”
At least so far.
PHD’s order has certain exceptions to the requirement, such as for young children, medical difficulties, dining out, and law enforcement. See the full order: Bit.ly/39w4KXA.
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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.