When health is absent wisdom cannot reveal itself,
Art cannot become manifest,
Strength cannot be exerted,
Wealth is useless and reason is powerless.
-- Herophilus, 300 B.C
Public Health in Minnesota Protecting the health of the public is a fundamental responsibility of government. In Minnesota, both state and local governments are essential elements of the total public health system. All public health departments in Minnesota are charged with the following responsibilities:
The Dakota County Public Health Department In Dakota County, the
Board of Commissioners is the Community Health Board, and the Public Health Department is the agency charged with protecting the health of the public.
The Dakota County Public Health Department provides a broad range of services to individuals, families and communities to promote and protect the health of the residents of Dakota County. The focus is on:
Targeted at-risk individuals and families receive health care assessment, prevention, early intervention and case management services through home visits and public health clinics. Population-based prevention services target youth and communities to promote healthy behaviors.
The Public Health Department has seven major program areas: