Virginia Department of Health

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is the primary state-level government agency responsible for public health in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and operates under the guidance of the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources.

History

The Virginia Department of Health was established in 1908 with the mission to protect and promote the health of all Virginians. The department's responsibilities have expanded over the years to include a wide range of public health functions and health services.

Structure

The VDH is divided into several divisions, each focusing on a specific area of public health. These include the Division of Disease Prevention, Division of Environmental Health, Division of Immunization, and Division of Population Health.

Functions

The VDH is responsible for a wide range of public health functions. These include disease prevention, environmental health, immunization, and population health. The department also oversees the state's public health laboratories and public health nursing services.

Public Health Programs

The VDH operates a number of public health programs aimed at improving the health of Virginians. These include programs focused on chronic disease prevention, infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and emergency preparedness.

See Also

• Public health
• Health department
• Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources

External Links

• Official website