Assuring the quality of our food, setting the standards for hospital and nursing home care, checking the safety of recreation areas, overseeing the inspection of milk producing farms and processing plants, maintaining the state's vital records and screening newborns for genetic diseases are just some of the duties of IDPH.

Mission Statement

With the assistance of local public health agencies, these essential programs and services make up Illinois' public health system, a system that forms a frontline defense against disease through preventive measures and education. Public health has provided the foundation for remarkable gains in saving lives and reducing suffering. Today, life expectancy is 78 years for women and 71 years for men compared with less than 50 years at the turn of the century.

The mission of IDPH is to promote health through the prevention and control of disease and injury. IDPH, which is one of the state's oldest agencies, now has an annual budget of about $325 million in state and federal funds, headquarters in Springfield and Chicago, seven regional offices located around the state, three laboratories and 1,100 employees.