Our Mission

What does a Local Health Department (LHD) do for its citizens?

Local Health Departments diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community. They inform, educate, and empower people about health issues. The Department mobilizes community partnerships and actions to identify and solve health problems. In collaboration with the Local Board of Health and Local Government, they develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts. Our LHD is made up of four divisions: Vital Records, Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, and Emergency Preparedness. Below we will describe what information and services we provide.

Information and Services

Our Vital Records Department maintains and records all births, including adoptions, and deaths within Henry County. Copies of these records are available with the proper identification. We also provide genealogy services.

Our Environmental Department has a wide range of public safety responsibilities from monitoring for foodborne illness through our food protection program, pollution control through monitoring and regulating wastewater/sewage disposal for on-site sewage systems, to pest control and vector abatement through our vector control program. The Division also inspects for dwellings unfit for human habitation.

Our Nursing Department provides measures for the prevention and treatment of disease as well as all required follow-up of reportable communicable diseases. These measures include participating in the ISDH Vaccines’ for Children Program as well as providing vaccines for children and adults with private insurance. We also participate in the ISDH Adult Vaccine Program for adults without insurance. Tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment are free for individuals who are suspected to have active TB or have been exposed to someone with active TB, as well as those with latent TB.

Our Emergency Preparedness Department helps support public health during outbreaks and public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Medical Reserve Corp provides valuable assistance through a trained group of volunteers.

10 Essential Public Health Services

1. Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets
2. Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population
3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it
4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health
5. Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that impact health
6. Utilize legal and regulatory actions designed to improve and protect the public’s health
7. Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy
8. Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce
9. Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvemen
10. Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health

Text Your ZIP CODE to 888777 to Receive Public Health Alerts