Improving Conformance With The Retail Program Standards Through Technology

Ledge Light Health District serves as the local health department for eight municipalities in southeasternConnecticut and has primary responsibility for regulation of retail food establishments in thejurisdiction. Ledge Light Health District in enrolled in the Voluntary National Retail Food RegulatoryProgram Standards and completed a self-assessment in 2014. The project proposed in this application -improving conformance with the Retail Program Standards through technology, will enable Ledge LightHealth District to achieve greater conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food RegulatoryProgram Standards #4, #5, and #9. Should a cooperative agreement be awarded, Ledge Light HealthDistrict will purchase a new information technology system called the Digital Health Department. LedgeLight Health District?s implementation of the Digital Health Department will enable the regulatoryprogram to significantly increase its ability to track trends in risk factors associated with foodborneillness, to implement early interventions through certified food protection managers, to track trends infoodborne injury and illness and to share information and strategies with other regulatory programs.After the Digital Health Department is customized to meet Ledge Light Health District?s requirementsand operationalized, the jurisdiction will be design and implement a Quality Assurance Plan, a baselineProgram Assessment and data tracking and reporting regarding foodborne injury and illness.