About the Division
The Division promotes the health and quality of life of all Alaskans by preventing and controlling disease, birth defects, injury, disability and death resulting from interactions between people and their environment. The Division carries out its mission through a range of activities and services centered on the core public health functions of assessment, policy development and assurance.
Activities and services of the Division of Public Health are primarily population-based and focus on achieving and preserving the health and well-being of entire communities or populations rather than on the provision of individual medical care. The Division’s professional staff monitors and assesses the health status of Alaskans through the collection and analysis of vital statistics, risk factor data and data on disease and injury. The Division uses this data and other scientific information and expertise to develop, implement and evaluate strategies, programs and services to inform the public and advise policy makers about health issues. These activities enable citizens and policy makers to make sound decisions to prevent and reduce health problems, promote good health and avoid extra costs.
The Division serves the entire population of the State of Alaska: 626,932, according to the April 1, 2000 census count, living in 320 communities and unincorporated areas. In addition, the Division of Public Health works to protect the health and safety of over two million visitors per year to the state, and approximately 70,000 non-resident workers per year. The Division of Public Health serves as both the state and local health agency in much of the state except for the two areas with local health departments: the Municipality of Anchorage and the North Slope Borough. The duty to protect the health of the public also requires cooperation with other states and nations, because threats to public health like tuberculosis, persistent organic pollutants, and bioterrorism know no borders.
Under the direction of the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and in cooperation with other local, state, and federal organizations, the Division of Public Health meets the needs, celebrates the advancements and accomplishments, and prepares for the challenges of the future of public health in Alaska.
For additional information, proceed to Highlights from our sections for 2002, the concepts behind public health (Core Principles, Essential Services, Mission and Vision), or go directly to the Division's 2002 annual report.
Excerpts from the Division of Public Health Annual Report, 2002