The Health Department's mission is to preserve, protect and promote the health of all county residents. In fulfilling its mission, the Health Department:

• assesses the County's health problems, needs, and resources
• organizes effective public and private sector strategies to address the needs
• provides services directly to county residents to meet local health goals

The Department of Health provides equal access to services for all County residents, without regard to race, age, ability to pay, religion or sexual orientation.

Through the Department of Health, some personal health services, such as tuberculosis treatment, are free to all. Other services are charged according to a sliding fee scale based on residents' income. Environmental health inspections and permit fees are county-determined.

Successful public health extends beyond clinics and reaches into communities. The Department of Health's outreach programs can be found in County schools, community centers, churches, senior centers and residents' homes.

County residents, private health practitioners and government agencies are partners with the Department of Health in fulfilling its mission.

While residents have primary responsibility for their health, the Department of Health provides education, referrals, screenings and, when needed, treatment for certain conditions to help residents be as healthy as they can be.