Public health is a network of essential services working together to protect and improve North Carolinian's health and to make communities safe and healthy places in which to live. Public and private health care providers, agencies and organizations are partners in this ongoing effort.

Public health has made major contributions to the quality of life in North Carolina. Around 1900, our average life span was less than 50 years. Now, it is about 75 years. Much of this increase has occurred because of public health programs to prevent and control infectious disease and improve environmental health.

In 1970, the state's infant mortality rate was 24.1 deaths for every 1,000 live births. By 1997, this rate had dropped to 9.2 per 1,000 births, a 61 percent decrease in just 27 years. Public heath's emphasis on early and adequate care for expectant mothers was largely responsible for this dramatic improvement.

Over the last 25 years, public health disease prevention programs have led to declines of more than 50 percent in stroke deaths, 40 percent in coronary heart disease deaths, and a 25 percent reduction in the overall death rate for North Carolina's children.

• Tests your water to make sure it's safe to drink
• Ensures water is fluoridated to prevent tooth decay
• Ensures the quality and accessibility of health services
• Reaches out to pregnant women to provide prenatal care
• Educates parents on the importance of immunizing children
• Provides vaccines at no cost for immunizing all North Carolina children
• Inspects restaurants to make sure they are safe places to eat
• Promotes healthy behaviors to prevent disease and accidental injuries
• Finds and treats people who have been exposed to communicable diseases
• Conducts public education to increase use of safety belts, bicycle helmets and other protective devices
• Evaluates risks to human health from environmental hazards
• Works to protect the public from rabies and other animal-borne diseases ... and much more