In November 2007, an APHA Learning Institute titled:
Introduction to Public Health Finance & Ratio Analysis:  Measuring and Improving the Financial Performance of Local Health Agencies was held in Washington DC.

Objectives of the Learning Institute were to provide participants with:

• Methods to measure and analyze agency financial performance
• Methods to improve agency financial sustainability
• Basic concepts and best practices for financial management and analysis for the field of public health as found in the practices of other public health system partners (healthcare, education, local government)
• Financial indicators applicable to monitoring local public health agency financial status and performance

PowerPoints from the Learning Institute can be accessed below.

A series of similar training sessions will be held across the country through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  If you have an interest in an on-site presentation, please contact Snow Wang at Snow.Wang@usm.edu.



Background Information on the Spreadsheet

'Creating Financial Transparency in Public Health: Examining Best Practices of System Partners' contains background information about the usefulness of financial ratio analysis in other industries and discusses its relevance to public health.
Right click on the icon to the right to download the PDF.  


Ratio Analysis Tool
An interactive spreadsheet that allows users to use analytical tools to measure agency financial performance can be accessed here:
Right click on the icon to the right to download the Excel spreadsheet.

APHA Learning Institute Power Point Presentations

Click the icons to the right of the presentation title to open the PDF.
Introduction to the Concept for Applying Financial Ratio Analysis to Public Health 
Dr. Peggy Honoré

This section will teach the participants how to apply basic financial management concepts to the field of public health. This knowledge will increase the ability to implement quality improvement initiatives and systems of accountability in LPHAs. Best practices in financial management and analysis in industries considered as part of the local public health system are explored and opportunities are identified within these systems as areas for improvement for local public health financial managers and leaders.

Using Financial Indicators to Measure Public Health Financial Performance
Dr. Cheryll Lesneski

This section will teach practitioners and leaders in local public health agencies how to measure, monitor and improve their financial performance using a set of financial indicators to track changes in financial condition.

Linking Performance Measurement and Strategy 
Dr. William N. Zelman

This presentation will focus on the relationship between strategy and performance measurement with an emphasis on barriers to successful performance measurement systems.

If you have questions about Public Health Finance or the Excel spreadsheet, please contact Dr. Peggy Honoré at peggy.honore@hhs.gov or Dr. Cheryll Lesneski at lesneski@email.unc.edu.


Contact Us

Share with us how the knowledge gained from this financial analysis tool was used in your agency.  Send your comments or questions to Snow Wang at Snow.Wang@usm.edu.