The Amherst Public Health Department: Using Science to Protect People

Public Health is what we do as a society to create the conditions for people to be healthy. Unlike medical or health care, our work is focused on groups or the entire population of a town, state or nation.

Applying proven, cost-effective methods, we prevent disease and avoid unnecessary medical expenditures. Here are some examples of how we do that:

We guard and protect against threats: Investigating disease outbreaks spread through the Town’s water supply, hotels, homes and businesses; inspecting restaurants for safety and cleanliness; responding swiftly to health threats from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; managing protection against West Nile virus, SARS, pandemic flu and Lyme disease.

We provide leadership: Defending against emerging infections; assuring that scarce flu vaccines reach people most at risk; promoting health and disease prevention strategies; advocating for better health through public policy; empowering people and providing necessary preventive care.

We improve health and safety: Responding first when outbreaks occur; preventing substance abuse; examining wild animals for disease; exterminating mosquitoes, rats and other disease-carrying threats, checking seniors’ blood pressure; enforcing health and safety regulations; providing life-saving vaccines to children.

We share our knowledge: Teaching people about nutrition and exercise; cooperating with physicians, emergency personnel and hospitals; training new professionals; evaluating programs,; educating communities to help prevent diseases like HIV.

Our local health departments are as necessary as police, firefighters and medical personnel to respond to emergencies and protect community health and safety. They’re an essential and cost-effective public investment.