Our mission: Working for and with our community to improve the health and safety of all people in Dorchester County. The Dorchester County Health Department is the county's leader in public health. The health department is part of the Maryland Department of Health, as well as an agency of Dorchester County government. The Dorchester County Council serves as the official Board of Health. Funding for the Dorchester County Health Department is a combination of federal, state and county monies, plus third-party and private-pay reimbursements. We work with the community to protect and promote the health of all county residents, provide local public health services, and provide other health-related services. We are directed by the health officer, who enforces state health laws, state health rules, and county health ordinances. We deliver a variety of services to our community, based on local health needs and federal, state, and county rules. We ensure residents have access to personal and environmental health services and information. According to the American Public Health Association:
“(P)ublic health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Public health workers try to keep “people from getting sick or injured in the first place (and) … promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.”
That can include:
Vaccinating children and adults to stop the spread of disease,
Teaching people about the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs,
Tracking disease outbreaks,
Preventing injuries,
Protecting the water supply,
Inspecting restaurants,
Explaining why some of us are more likely to suffer from poor health than others,
Speaking out for laws that promote smoke-free indoor air and seatbelts,
Spreading the word about ways to stay healthy,
Giving science-based solutions to problems,
Setting safety standards to protect workers, and
Developing school nutrition programs so kids have access to healthy food.
