Health, Department of

Interim Director Staci A Fischer M.D., F. A.C.P, F.I.D.S.A

The Rhode Island Department of Health's (RIDOH) mission is to prevent disease and protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island. Given that there are no local health departments in Rhode Island, RIDOH coordinates public health activities throughout the entire state. Under the direction of an Executive Leadership Team RIDOH has made the achievement of optimal health for every community throughout Rhode Island its principal focus. RIDOH's work is guided by three leading priorities: addressing the social and environmental determinants of health; eliminating disparities of health and promoting health equity; and ensuring access to quality health services including our vulnerable populations. RIDOH's six divisions and their centers work in partnership with the general public, healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, community partners, schools, local, state, and federal offices and agencies, as well as the media. RIDOH is accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board.

RIDOH has broad-ranging public health and policy responsibilities. RIDOH works to promote healthy lifestyle changes, environmental health (including the safety of Rhode Island's food and drinking water), emergency preparedness, and chronic disease management and prevention, among other focus areas. RIDOH also facilitates health professional licensing and health facility licensing in the state, serves as a hub for public health data in Rhode Island, and includes Rhode Island's State Health Laboratories and the Medical Examiner's Office.