The three core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a working definition of public health and a guiding framework for the responsibilities of local public health systems.

The functions of Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance help us to balance and focus our three core government public health responsibilities as we strive to provide essential population-based services to our constituents.

1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems.
2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.
3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.
4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.
6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.