Public Health Position Statements

Purpose and Goals

ARPHS's position statements provide science-based information to policy makers and the public at a regional level, and articulate reasoned opinions of the service on public health issues.

An ARPHS position statement is a carefully prepared representation of the public health services view on an issue or policy. ARPHS position statements may be developed and promulgated as:

  1. An Advocacy Position that supports national and local health priorities.
  2. An Informational Position that is educational or analytical in scope and includes information and discussion about or technical evaluation of, specific public health issues.
  3. A Facilitative Position that seeks to promote a clear understanding of a public health issue of international, national or local concern.

Review, expiration and rescission of Position Statements.

  1. Adopted position statements shall expire two years after the date of their adoption.
  2. Before they expire, the position Statement will be reviewed by the service for possible revision and re-adoption, or rescission.
  3. Position statements may be rescinded by ARPHS at any time.

Policy submissions:

The ARPHS seeks to influence public policy to improve health and to reduce inequalities in health.

The Service has responded to a number of consultations on public policy and has produced submissions on policy/strategy on action plans and on government inquiries. Details on policy submissions can be sourced here.

Most recently, the service has completed submissions in respect of: