Local Health Departments: Protecting Your Community

New Jersey's local health departments are community-based public health service providers and the front-line forces responsible for providing essential public health services that protect and promote the health of New Jersey's citizens.

Health Departments

• Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease
• Protect the community against environmental hazards
• Prevent injuries
• Promote and encourage healthy behaviors
• Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery

Essential Services Provided by Health Departments

• Monitor health status to identify community problems
• Diagnose and investigate health problems and hazards
• Inform, educate and empower communities about health issues
• Mobilize community partnerships to identify and resolve problems
• Develop policies and plans that support community health efforts
• Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and provide safety
• Link those in need to personal health and health care services when not otherwise available
• Assure a competent public health workforce
• Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of health services
• Investigate and employ innovative solutions to health problems

Adapted from: Essential Public Health Services Work Group of the Core Public Health Functions Steering Committee; American Public Health Association.

For more information about specific public health services available in your community, contact your local health department listed in the Directory of Local Health Departments in New Jersey.