HHS

Dept of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

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Public Health Services

Mission: Walworth County Public Health provides programs and services that are aimed at promoting, preserving and protecting the health of its residents.

What we do: Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health professionals try to prevent problems from happening or re-occurring through implementing educational programs, developing policies, administering services, and conducting research, in contrast to clinical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who focus primarily on treating individuals after they become sick or injured.

Our public health professionals are part of an ongoing community system that works to protect people from diseases and encourages them to change harmful behaviors. Public health focuses on protecting communities, families and individuals from communicable diseases and potential health hazards, preventing and controlling chronic and acute illnesses, promoting optimal health and wellness, and preserving a healthy environment. Programs encompass all age groups from prenatal through the senior years, with goals for a healthier and safer population and ultimately, lower health care costs.

Programs: Major Public Health programs are listed below. Click on a button to learn more about each program. To talk with DHHS staff about a public health issue, call 262-741-3140, call toll free 800-365-1587, or e-mail at walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us.