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DOH Vision and Mission
Why we do what we do - our vision statement

Our VISION

We will be a progressive public health department providing a full array of services which includes assessment, policy development and assurances for health information, disease and injury prevention, and environmental health.

Our MISSION

Saint Louis County, Department of Health promotes optimal health for people who live, work, or visit the County. This is accomplished by monitoring and assessing the public health status of the County, and developing programs and/or policies that prevent illness or injury.

Saint Louis County Department of Health (DOH) is chartered to assure optimal health status for its residents and stakeholders (e.g. those who work, recreate, or visit in Saint Louis County). The three-step process of Core Public Health Functions is the modus operandi of the Department:

Assessment

On an annual basis, DOH reviews the health status indicators of its residents and stakeholders. It evaluates the status of the environment that affects the health status of residents.

It looks at trends in communicable disease, vector control, and other pertinent indicators, to create a "report card" on the health of County residents and stakeholders.

It also identifies issues and concerns that currently or potentially could have negative impacts on the health status of residents and stakeholders.

Policy / program development

Based on the assessment, DOH makes recommendations to the County Executive, County Council, and at times State and federal bodies regarding needed legislation, or modifications in existing ordinances/laws.

DOH also actively works with existing community agencies, universities and school districts, health care providers, and other regulatory agencies, to plan, develop, and promote programs and services that assure optimal health and protect against negative health status outcomes in the County.

In situations where no other party is ready, willing, and able to provide such services, DOH will consider providing such services directly.

Assurance

On an annual basis, DOH evaluates existing health and environmental programs and services in Saint Louis County. As a governmental entity, it determines if existing services are achieving desired outcomes.

DOH will actively recognize programs and services that are positively contributing to the health status of County residents and stakeholders. DOH will also communicate directly with programs and services that are not achieving desired outcomes.

All reasonable steps will be taken to either improve existing programs or to replace failing programs to assure optimal health status for County residents and stakeholders.

Guiding principles for the vision
  1. DOH will consciously facilitate public/private partnerships in health care and environmental services for Saint Louis County.

  2. All current and future services offered by DOH will be evaluated to determine if such services can be provided more cost effectively by private sector organizations. If so, private sector contracting will be the method of choice for DOH.

  3. DOH will be the pre-eminent provider of health and environmental information technology for Saint Louis County.

  4. DOH will take a leadership role in health and environmental planning for the region.
The Mission of your County Health Services

Saint Louis County Department of Health exists to preserve and improve the health and quality of life of people within the County.

The Department is committed to:
  • continually assessing the personal and environmental health of our community to identify threats to health;
  • responding with policies, programs and practices which improve health;
  • assuring that health services are available, and developing new resources when they are required.
To accomplish this mission, DOH will do the following:
  • Exercise leadership in the County and region in protecting and promoting public health
  • Regularly assess the health of Countians and our environment to identify health problems, risks, resources and unmet needs.
  • Diagnose and investigate health problems or hazards in the community.
  • Investigate cause and manner of unnatural death.
  • Develop and implement policies and plans to correct community health problems.
  • Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and assure safety.
  • Establish partnerships to develop innovative solutions to health problems.
  • Link people to needed personal and community health services, assuring that necessary health practices and services are available and operating in the community.
  • Inform, educate and enable people to make healthy choices for personal and environmental health.
  • Advocate the health interests of every person who lives, works, plays or travels in the County to provide the healthiest and safest environment possible.
  • Sustain a spirit of service and commitment throughout the Department which achieves the highest level of satisfaction possible for employees and the community we serve.
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