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NC Department of Health and Human Services
NC Division of Public Health
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About Us: N.C. Division of Public Health

A Message from the State Health Director

Laura Gerald, MD, North Carolina State Health Director
Laura Gerald, M.D., M.P.H.

This is an exciting time of growth and change for public health in North Carolina. While change is not always easy, it also brings the opportunity to move in a positive direction, positioning ourselves to respond to health care reform and continued challenges in our economy while continuing to do the important work of improving and protecting the health of the people of our state.

We have set ambitious goals for improving overall health through the Healthy North Carolina 2020 objectives. If we are to accomplish those goals, we must close the gap in health outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens. We must work to change environments and policies to make it easier for people to make healthy choices. And we must continue to work collaboratively with state and community partners to ensure access to care for all people and focus on the most pressing health problems in our state, especially those that are preventable.

Public Health in North Carolina: Past and Future

Our Organization

Administrative, Local and Community Support

The Administrative, Local, and Community Support (ALCS) section of the Division of Public Health (DPH) provides both direct and indirect services to the public and local health agencies. Much of our work focuses on providing support which allows the business of public health to operate as seamlessly as possible, so that the Division may better serve the public. More about ALCS, Service Unit Contacts, General Contacts

Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

The N.C. Division of Public Health's Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program, along with local health departments and other community partners, works to reduce death and disabilities through education, policy change and various services. Our goal is to help all North Carolinians develop healthy and safe communities and health systems to prevent and control chronic diseases and to eliminate health inequities. Chronic Disease and Injury Website, Contacts

See also:

Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Section of the Division of Public Health safeguards life, promotes human health and protects the environment through the practice of modern environmental health science, the use of technology, rules, public education and above all, dedication to the public trust. Environmental Health Section Website, Contacts

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the branch of public health that works to understand the causes and effects of disease in communities. We look for ways to prevent or control those diseases and their negative effects on people and society. Epidemiologists study the factors and relationships that determine the presence, numbers, trends and distribution of diseases in communities and certain populations. Epidemiology Section Website, Contacts

See also:

Human Resources

The DPH Human Resources Section supports the 2,000 DPH employees throughout North Carolina with benefits, classification and compensation, employee relations, hiring, safety and health, and staff development and training. DPH Human Resources Website

Minority Health and Health Disparities

The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities works throughout Public Health to bridge the health status gap between racial/ethnic minorities and the general population, and advocates for policies and programs that improve access to public health services for underserved populations.Minority Health and Health Disparities Website, Contacts

Oral Health

The Oral Health Section (OHS) is the only statewide dental program, either public or private, that provides prevention and education services on dental health specifically for children. Prevention is the key to improved oral health. Too many citizens, and children in particular, experience preventable dental disease. Oral Health Website, Contacts

State Center for Health Statistics

The State Center for Health Statistics (SCHS) is responsible for data collection, health-related research, production of reports, and maintenance of a comprehensive collection of health statistics. We provide high quality health information for better informed decisions and effective health policies. The goal is to improve the health of all North Carolinians and their communities. State Center for Health Statistics Website, Contacts

State Laboratory for Public Health

The State Laboratory of Public Health provides certain medical and environmental laboratory services (testing, consultation and training) to public and private health provider organizations responsible for the promotion, protection and assurance of the health of North Carolina citizens. State Lab Website, Contacts

Vital Records

The North Carolina Vital Records Unit is responsible for registering all births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, and divorces which occur in North Carolina. Vital Records Website, Contacts

Women’s and Children’s Health

The mission of the Women's and Children's Health Section (WCH) is to assure, promote and protect the health and development of families with emphasis on women, infants, children and youth. WCH programs place a major emphasis on the provision of preventive health services beginning in the pre-pregnancy period and extending throughout childhood.