California Department of Public Health

California Department of Public Health logo

California Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is a state department within the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) that is responsible for public health in the state of California. The CDPH was established in 2007, separating from the California Department of Health Services to focus specifically on public health issues.

History

The CDPH was created to address the growing need for a dedicated public health agency in California. It was formed by the California State Legislature and began operations on July 1, 2007. The department was established to provide more focused leadership and coordination in public health matters, separate from the broader responsibilities of the California Department of Health Services.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the CDPH is to optimize the health and well-being of the people in California. The department aims to:

• Protect the public from communicable diseases
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Prevent chronic diseases and injuries
• Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies
• Ensure the quality and accessibility of health services

Organization

The CDPH is organized into several divisions and offices, each focusing on different aspects of public health. These include:

• Division of Communicable Disease Control
• Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control
• Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control
• Office of Health Equity
• Center for Health Care Quality

Programs and Services

The CDPH administers a variety of programs and services aimed at improving public health in California. Some of the key programs include:

• California Tobacco Control Program
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
• California Immunization Registry
• California Cancer Registry
• Safe Drinking Water Program

Public Health Initiatives

The CDPH is involved in numerous public health initiatives to address pressing health issues in the state. These initiatives include:

• Obesity Prevention
• HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control
• Maternal and Child Health
• Injury and Violence Prevention

Leadership

The CDPH is led by the Director of Public Health, who is appointed by the Governor of California. The Director oversees the department's operations and ensures that its programs and services align with the state's public health goals.

See Also

• California Health and Human Services Agency
• California Department of Health Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Public health