About the Vermont Department of Health
Commissioner of HealthSharon Moffatt, RN, MSN
The Department of Health is proud to continue a long tradition of public health service in Vermont, and is the state’s lead agency for public health policy and advocacy.
Public health is the system that works to protect and promote the health of citizens. It is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging healthy life and promoting physical and mental health.
Not only do people with better health habits generally live longer; those years are more likely to be free of disease and disability.
The Health Department’s myriad of programs and initiatives help Vermonters live fuller, healthier lives from birth through old age.
- We focus on prevention, which is perhaps the best investment that can be made in health.
- We educate and inform Vermonters about eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and not smoking.
- We promote and improve access to immunizations, mammograms, HIV/AIDS testing and care, treatment for mental disorders, and prenatal care.
- We license physicians and hospitals, inspect food and lodging establishments, and enforce health regulations.
- We prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and threats, and provide the public with information to help them stay safe and healthy.
As part of the Agency of Human Services, the department works in concert with the departments of Mental Health, Children and Families, Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Corrections, and the Office of Health Access to improve the health and well-being of Vermonters.
We extend our reach across Vermont with 12 district offices that provide essential health promotion and disease prevention services. The district offices work in partnership with local health care providers, voluntary agencies, schools, businesses and community organizations to improve health and extend statewide initiatives in local communities throughout the state.
Please take some time to look through this web site to learn more about our programs, and what the Department of Health has to offer. Your comments and suggestions on how we can be more helpful are greatly appreciated.