Our Vision, Mission & Values
At the Vermont Department of Health, we envision a Vermont where all people and communities have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.
We work toward that vision by promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont, advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.
How we work matters, too. Our values guide how we make decisions, develop programs and policies, work with partners and communities, collect data, and support our workforce.
Our Values
- Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
- Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
- Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
- Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
- Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.
Public Health in Vermont
Public health is based on the idea that everyone should have an equal chance to be as healthy and safe as possible. Here at the Department of Health, we seek to improve access to vital health resources for people in Vermont throughout their lives and care for the health of entire communities and populations.
Our work is focused on four core areas:
- Detect: We use data to understand what works and what can be improved, so everyone has an equal chance at good health and well-being. We continually track and report on the health status of people in Vermont, conditions and behaviors, that influence health, and progress toward meeting Healthy Vermonters 2030 goals.
- Connect: We listen to and work with local organizations, including schools, businesses and health centers to support the community’s whole health. This includes sharing data, providing funding opportunities, building coalitions, and offering community-level support through our 12 local health offices across Vermont.
- Prevent: We provide information and resources to prevent illness and injury before they happen and to promote overall health and well-being. This includes promoting healthy behaviors, preventing substance misuse, monitoring food and lodging safety, and providing vital health services such as immunizations, screenings, and prenatal care.
- Respond: We are ready to take quick action when public health issues happen, like ensuring safe drinking water after disasters or preventing or slowing the spread of infectious diseases. We also help keep Vermont’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system prepared by licensing personnel and ambulances, establishing statewide medical protocols, and analyzing emergency response data.