The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is the primary public health agency for the state of Rhode Island, established in 1878. Operating under the executive branch of the state government, RIDOH is responsible for protecting and promoting public health across Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities. The department oversees various public health programs, including disease prevention, environmental health monitoring, health facility licensing, vital records management, and emergency preparedness. RIDOH maintains several divisions focusing on specific health areas, including Environmental Health, Family Health, Community Health and Equity, and Infectious Disease and Epidemiology. The department is led by a Director who serves as the state’s top public health official and reports directly to the Governor of Rhode Island. The agency plays a crucial role in health policy development, implementation of state and federal health regulations, and coordination of public health responses during emergencies. RIDOH also manages the state’s health laboratories, conducts health surveillance, and provides health education and resources to Rhode Island residents. The department works closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other state agencies to address public health challenges and improve health outcomes for the state’s population of approximately one million residents.