The Department of Health is the government agency responsible for improving the health of Anne Arundel County. By State and County authority, the Department of Health is charged with enforcement of certain federal, State and County laws and regulations.
The Department directly provides mandated, delegated and locally-initiated public health services. The Anne Arundel County Council, which also serves as the County Board of Health; the County Medical Society's Advisory Committee; and several advisory councils help the Department of Health establish its direction.
Approximately 700 Department of Health employees — physicians, nurses, social workers, sanitarians, community educators and other allied health and support personnel — bring compassion and commitment to their work and a concern for continually improving the quality of the Department's services.
The impact of their combined effort is extensive. More than one out of every three County residents is directly served by a Department of Health program each year. More than 184,000 residents receive direct personal health or screening services through Department programs. Another 41,000 residents and businesses receive permits, inspections and other environmental services annually.
The facilities and general services of the Department of Health are available to all County residents without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation or opinion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation or disability.
The Department of Health's mission is to preserve, promote and protect the health of all people who live, work and play in Anne Arundel County. In fulfilling its mission, the Department
- assesses the County's health problems, needs and resources;
- organizes effective public and private sector strategies to address the needs; and
- provides services directly to County residents to meet local health goals.
Based on community surveys and reviews of health data, the Department has established the following priority areas for addressing public health needs:
- Preventing and managing chronic illnesses
- Being prepared for emergencies
- Keeping children healthy
- Maintaining a safe and healthy environment
- Eliminating health disparities
