Public health practice linkages between schools of public health and state health agencies: results from a three-year survey.

Several recent examinations of the state of public health have called for enhanced linkages between schools of public health and public health agencies, prompting federal health agencies and schools of public health to develop practice initiatives. Surveys of schools of public health and of state public health agencies were conducted in 1992 to collect baseline data on practice links between the two agencies; follow-up surveys were undertaken in 1993 and 1994. Responses reveal that a substantial amount of interaction between schools and agencies has been occurring for some time, but that until recently much of the interaction has been informal and between individuals or departments rather than institution-wide. Both frequency and formalization of such collaborations have increased, reflecting a growing emphasis on public health practice activities at schools of public health together with public health agencies.