California Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the people of California. Karen L. Smith, MD, MPH, serves as the Director of CDPH. The CDPH is committed to protecting public health in the Golden State and assisting individuals, families, and communities in achieving positive health outcomes. The department's programs and services are implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal, and private partners, covering a wide range of areas including infectious disease control and prevention, food safety, environmental health, laboratory services, patient safety, emergency preparedness, chronic disease prevention and health promotion, family health, health equity, and vital records and statistics.