The Rhode Island Department of Health's (RIDOH) mission is to prevent disease and protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island. Given that there are no local health departments in Rhode Island, RIDOH coordinates public health activities throughout the entire state. Under the direction of Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH, RIDOH has made the achievement of optimal health for every community throughout Rhode Island its principal focus. RIDOH's work is guided by three leading priorities: addressing the social and environmental determinants of health, eliminating disparities of health and promoting health equity, and ensuring access to quality health services including our vulnerable populations. RIDOH's divisions and their centers work in partnership with the general public, healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, community partners, schools, local, state, and federal offices and agencies, as well as the media. RIDOH is accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board.
