The health of a community is one of its greatest strengths.
At ACDOH, our mission is simple but vital: to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
We believe good health is the foundation that allows children to learn, adults to thrive at work, and families to enjoy life together.
What is Public Health?
Public health is different from individual medical care. While a health care provider helps one person at a time, our role is to look at the health of the whole community. We do that by working together with individual patients in our clinics, with families in their homes, with groups of individuals who attend our programs, and with partner organizations in our community. We focus on preventing illness before it starts, promoting healthy choices, and protecting the environments where we live, learn, work and play so that everyone can flourish.
What We Do
Our team provides a wide range of services that touch every stage of life:
- Prevention and Education: From childhood immunizations to nutrition and physical activity programs, we work to keep people informed and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors. We work with partners in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods to make sure healthy choices are accessible to everyone and easier to make.
- Nursing and Home Visiting Services: Our public health nurses and community health workers provide in-home support for families, offering guidance, health checks, and connections to resources.
- Community Safety: We monitor and respond to outbreaks of disease, protect the safety of food and water, protect children from lead exposure, and prepare for emergencies that could affect health.
- Access to Care: We connect people with clinics, screenings, and support services, including our immunization and dental clinics, ensuring that no one is left behind because of barriers like cost or language.
A Community Focus
We know that health is not only about medical care. It is also about where we live, learn, work, and play. That’s why we partner with schools, community and faith groups, businesses, and local leaders. Together, we can build a community where every resident has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
We also recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and some neighborhoods or families face greater challenges. By listening, learning, and working hand-in-hand with the people we serve, we aim to close those gaps and create opportunities for health and wellness.
Your Role in Public Health
The health of our community belongs to all of us, and it takes all of us to protect it. Each person plays an important role in building a healthier community. Small actions - when taken together - make a big difference.
You can:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations and routine health screenings.
- Practice healthy habits like eating more fruits and vegetables, moving your body daily, and getting enough rest.
- Support mental wellbeing by practicing self-care as well as checking in on friends, family, and neighbors.
- Wash your hands regularly and stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness.
- Help keep our environment safe by reducing waste, recycling, and caring for shared spaces.
- Get involved—volunteer, attend community health events, or share reliable health information with others.
Every step you take strengthens not only your own health, but also the health of your family, your neighbors, and our community as a whole. Public health works best when it’s truly a community effort. I encourage you to browse this website to learn more information about the programs and services we provide, and to find resources to support your health and wellbeing. Please call our department if we can provide additional information or be of assistance - we have a dedicated staff of public health professionals who are committed to the health of the Albany County community!
Kristen A. Navarette, MD, MPH, FAAP, DipABLM
Commissioner of Health
