Here Is To Your Health -- Introduction

Here Is To Your Health: Introduction

The primary mission of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is to promote and ensure the availability, accessibility and quality of preventive and personal health services necessary to protect and improve the health and well being of the Philadelphia community. As part of its work to fulfill this mission, the Department provides and monitors public health services including communicable disease prevention and treatment, food safety, and air quality control. In addition, the Department operates eight neighborhood district health centers that provide primary medical care to all city residents regardless of their ability to pay.

The Department of Public Health also coordinates, funds and monitors mental health programs, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs as well as maternal and child health services -- including immunizations, prenatal care and lead poisoning prevention. The Department is responsible for operating the City's Medical Examiner's Office and overseeing the Philadelphia Nursing Home and health care services at Riverview Home for the Aged. Quality assurance of health services provided at the Philadelphia Prison System and the Youth Study Center is also the responsibility of the Department. Today the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is divided into 20 responsibility centers with 1322 employees. The Department is directed by the Health Commissioner, an appointee of the City Managing Director with the approval of the Mayor. The Health Commissioner also serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Health. The City's Home Rule Charter of 1951 requires the Board of Health to develop and maintain the City's health code, to make health regulations and to serve as an advisory board to the Health Commissioner.

This exhibit traces the story of Philadelphia's Department of Public Health from its early beginnings during the City's yellow fever epidemic of 1793 to its present-day praise-worthy work as it strives to meet continuing challenges. The photograph collection is organized into the following areas: