What is the primary function of the Illinois Department of Public Health?

The primary function of the Illinois Department of Public Health is to protect and improve the health of the public in Illinois. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring access to healthcare services. The department implements policies and programs designed to address health disparities, manage public health emergencies, and provide overall guidance on health matters to the citizens of Illinois.

While regulating hospitals and medical facilities, providing health education to schools, and conducting medical research are important activities related to public health, they are components of the broader mission of protecting and enhancing community health. These functions support the primary goal but do not capture the comprehensive mandate of safeguarding public health as a whole. Thus, the focus on improving health outcomes for all residents aligns directly with the department's overarching responsibility.