Public Health

What does Public Health do?

Sierra County Public Health (SCPH) lays the foundation for a healthy, resilient community. Our work focuses on preventing disease and injury, promoting healthy behaviors, and protecting the environment where we live, work, and play. Through these efforts, we help reduce health disparities, improve quality of life, and limit the need for medical intervention.

Community Health Assessment

The 2023 Sierra County Community Health Assessment (CHA) is a planning tool led by Sierra County Public Health to identify long-term strategies for improving community health. The assessment considers a range of influences on health, including individual behaviors, genetics, and age, as well as social determinants such as education, income, insurance status, and access to healthy food.

View the 2023 Community Health Assessment at 2023 CHA.

Community Health Improvement Plan

Following the CHA, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) outlines shared goals and strategies for improving public health and community wellness. The CHIP is developed through a collaborative process involving community partners and residents, with a focus on measurable, sustainable change.

SCPH is currently hosting Community Improvement Planning meetings to gather input and foster collaboration. For meeting schedules and ways to participate, please visit the Community Improvement Planning page for details.

Our Core Services

Prevents Epidemics

We investigate communicable disease cases, conduct contact tracing, provide vaccines, and coordinate outbreak response. Services include immunization clinics, tuberculosis case management, and infection control education. Winter Virus Protection Tips.

Protects the Environment, Workplace, Housing, Food and Water

SCPH works with local and state partners to ensure the safety of our food and water supply, promote lead-safe housing, and reduce environmental health risks through inspections, education, and public health investigations.

Promotes Healthy Behavior

We offer programs that support healthier lifestyles, such as tobacco cessation, sexual health education, breastfeeding support, nutrition guidance, and chronic disease prevention. Outreach occurs at schools, community events, clinics, and more.

Monitors the Health of the Population

SCPH tracks local health trends and maintains vital health statistics on communicable diseases, births, deaths, and other key indicators. This helps identify emerging issues and guide policy decisions.

Supports Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response

Our Public Health Emergency Preparedness team helps coordinate the county’s response to emergencies. We support mass vaccination clinics, health alerts, shelter coordination, and collaboration with hospitals and emergency services.