About Us

The Department of Health works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington State.

About Us

Our Mission

The Department of Health works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state.

Our Vision

Equity and optimal health for all

Our Cornerstone Values

  • Equity
  • Innovation
  • Engagement

 

Agency Values, Priorities, and Culture

 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is Proud to Serve All People in the Great State of Washington. The Evergreen State was named the “Best State” by U.S. News to measure how states are performing on behalf of their residents. The state of Washington boasts unparalleled natural beauty, from volcanoes and rain forests to wineries and beaches. Washington State is divided in to 39 counties that reflect the wide cross section of life in America -urban, suburban, and rural. Washington is home to 29 federally recognized tribes, independent nations within our great state, with the 8th largest Native American population in the U.S. People we serve. Over the past decade Washington’s population grew by nearly one million people to 7.75 million. We also grew more diverse with U.S. Census reporting Washington becoming 10 percent more diverse during this decade. DOH works continuously to reduce health disparities among vulnerable and underserved communities to achieve health equity throughout Washington.

What We Do

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) fights to defend the public’s health from threats in a rapidly evolving world. DOH’s programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of all Washingtonians and visitors to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. DOH provides comprehensive public health services and programs to the community through a workforce of approximately 2,000 public health professionals– all dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Washingtonians and the communities in which they live, learn, work, worship, and play. DOH will continue to evolve and transform public health activities, taking it to the next level through our cornerstone values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Each year brings new diseases, new chronic disease risks, and more natural and man-made disasters. Public health works together and across the health ecosystem for a brighter tomorrow.

Executive Offices


Executive Leadership Team Offices and Focus Areas (PDF)

Programs and Services Contacts Directory

Our Work

 

2005

licensed health care facilities inspected for patient safety

223888

women and children received WIC nutritional and breastfeeding support

7881

new participants enrolled in the Prescription Monitoring Program

 

Data as of 2019

Learn More About DOH

Leadership

The dedicated staff that drive health and well being in Washington.

Meet the Team

FAQs

Our most common questions about us, your home, you and your family, licenses and permits.

Find Answers to Your Questions

Transformational Plan

Our vision for health in Washington state, so everyone can live their healthiest lives.

Learn About our Transformational Plan

Work@Health

Want to make a difference in people's lives every day?

View Job Openings at DOH

State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP)

The SHIP is a long-term, systematic plan to address issues facing the state.

Read More About the SHIP

Accessibility Policy

Our commitment to making electronic and information technologies accessible.

Learn About our Accessibliity Efforts