Communications & Public Affairs

• What is the Office of Communications and Public Affairs?

  Answer:  The Office of Communications and Public Affairs is dedicated to providing accurate and useful health information for consumers and external partners. The office serves as the department's primary liaison to the news media as a source of timely health information. The office also provides support for department program activities, legislative efforts, and relationship building with stakeholders.

• What can I do on the Office of Communications and Public Affairs Web site?

  Answer:  This site offers a wide variety of informative services for LA County residents, visitors, officials, and media, including access to current and past press releases, health advisories, department publications, and data reports. Users can also subscribe to the Public Health listserv and RSS feeds.

• How can I contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs?

  Answer:  Office of Communications and Public Affairs
  313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806
  Los Angeles, CA 90012
  Phone: (213) 240-8144
  Fax: (213) 481-1406
  email: media@ph.lacounty.gov

• How can I interview a Public Health staff member?

  Answer:  The Communications Office will direct you to an appropriate individual depending on your story topic as well as provide background information as requested. We strive to expediently accommodate all media requests. We ask that you provide as much lead time as possible so that we can meet your deadline.

• What types of experts can Public Health provide?

  Answer:  Public Health employs physicians, epidemiologists, researchers, environmental safety inspectors (restaurants, housing), public health nurses, and veterinarians, among others. If there is a topic with public health significance or implications, Public Health is a valuable resource for expert sources and updated information.

• Why won't Public Health release patient information related to news stories?

  Answer:  The Department of Public Health strictly adheres to the terms and regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) governing patient privacy. Though we understand that members of the news media are not bound by HIPAA confidentiality laws, we ask that you respect our compliance. Visit the HHS site for more information on HIPAA.

• Can I contact a Public Health source directly?

  Answer:  No. Though we recognize the time-sensitive needs of the news media, department procedure mandates that all media inquiries be routed through the Office of Communications and Public Affairs for proper recording, and also to ensure a timely response.

• How can I receive Public Health press releases?

  Answer:  You can receive Public Health press releases via RSS feed and e-mail by subscribing to our listserv. To sign up, please see the Office of Communications and Public Affairs Web site.

• How can I apply for a job with the Public Health department?

  Answer:  Visit the HR site.

• How can I report a public health complaint or other health problem?

  Answer:  Visit the department's complaints and reporting page.