Public health system – Wis. Stat. Ann. § 250.03

Public Health System

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services must maintain a public health system in collaboration with local health departments and medical clinics operated by federally recognized American Indian tribes.  The Department must assess the public health needs of the state by looking at statewide data collection and advise the legislature on developing public health related laws.  The Department must also lead the local health departments in developing and implementing health priorities and must providing funding the local health departments.  The Department must promote cooperation among the various local entities involved in administering public health issues. The Department must also take the lead in identifying key health problems, investigating health hazards, supervising community health programs, enforcing health-related statues, and educating the public on health issues.  The Department can also be asked to provide research to develop solutions to health problems and be the lead state agency in cases of public health emergencies.