10.2.3: Quasi-Governmental Organizations
- Page ID
- 238108
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Quasi-Governmental Organizations are hybrid entities that blend the characteristics of public government bodies with the operational style of private companies. While established by law to manage essential public services, they operate independently from traditional government departments to maintain private-sector flexibility while remaining publicly accountable. These "in-between" organizations typically receive government funding and oversight but retain the authority to manage their own day-to-day operations. Their key characteristics are that they are hybrid in nature, serve a public purpose, operate independently, have a governmental link, and, because of that link, are accountable despite their independence (Mead & Warren, 2016).
Some prominent quasi-governmental organizations in the field of public health in the U.S. include:
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The American Red Cross: While officially a nonprofit organization, it often collaborates closely with the federal government, particularly during disasters and public health emergencies. It provides disaster relief, blood donation services, and health and safety training.
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), provides expert advice and recommendations on various health and medical issues. Its work informs health policy and public health efforts in the U.S.
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The National Quality Forum (NQF): is a non-profit organization that focuses on healthcare quality and measurement. It works with public and private stakeholders to develop and endorse national standards for healthcare quality.
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The Joint Commission: A non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. It sets and enforces standards for healthcare quality and patient safety.
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The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF): part of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), focuses on improving patient safety and reducing medical errors through education, research, and advocacy.
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The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO): is an organization that represents local health departments across the United States. It advances public health at the community level by addressing local needs and priorities.
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The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a non-profit organization established in 1872 that serves as a voice for public health professionals and advocates for public health policies and practices. It also publishes public health textbooks and important public health research in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), as well as a podcast with guest public health practitioners and researchers.
Reference
Mead, J. & Warren K. (2026). Quasi-Governmental organizations at the local level: publicly-appointed directors leading nonprofit organizations. Cleveland State University www.engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu