Organization and Structure
The Department of Health is part of the Vermont Agency of Human Services.
The Health Department and its many program divisions and offices, is led by Commissioner of Health Harry Chen, M.D. The leadership team includes the the deputy commissioners for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, and Public Health, the director for Public Health Planning & Performance Improvement, and the Senior Policy and Legal Advisor.
Public Health in your Community
For many Vermonters, our 12 District Offices are the main points of access to the state's public health programs and services. Each district office works in partnership with local health care providers, schools, businesses and community organizations to address public health issues specific to their community, and to carry out statewide initiatives at a local level.
The Health Department's administrative offices, statewide program staff, and the Burlington District Office are located in Burlington. Nearby are the Public Health Laboratory, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Public Health Programs & Services
The Department of Health is one of the largest in state government, providing essential health promotion and disease prevention services to help Vermonters live fuller, healthier lives from birth through old age.
Our public health services address the full spectrum of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery care for Vermonters:
- pregnant women; breastfeeding mothers; children and adults with alcohol or substance abuse concerns; smokers; infants; families; youth; refugees; children with special health needs; people with chronic health conditions; and many more.
We provide technical expertise and other supports:
- toxicology and risk assessment for environmental health concerns
- inspects and licenses food and lodging establishments
- maintains the state's system of Vital Records (birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates)
- tests drinking water for private well owners
- toolkits and other resources for health care providers