Health Administration

Message from the director

Welcome to the Crook County Public Health Department’s website! We hope you will find its contents useful – whether you are seeking data on the county’s health status, information about our programs and services, educational materials, or the latest public health bulletins and alerts.

Health of the public matters. It impacts each and every person who lives, works, and plays in the county – regardless of age, gender, race, or income. In 1910, the life expectancy in the United States was about 50 years old, it is now 78. These additional years are directly attributed to

advances in public health, nutrition, and medical services. Specifically, the development of vaccines has decreased the number of infectious diseases acquired by people, efforts to reduce tobacco use have dramatically decreased the incidences of cancer and heart disease, increases in workplace safety have decreased injuries, and we have the most highly skilled medical providers and technology in the world. Yet, despite all this positive news, there is much work to be done.

Our health system ranks 37th according to the World Health Organization and we lag far behind in some areas such as infant mortality. Health disparities exist based on a variety of factors including geography, income, education, and race. We continue to face new and emerging public health issues such as obesity and communicable diseases.
The work of the Crook County Public Health Department has never been more important. Currently, Crook County ranks 25th out of 33 counties in Oregon for Health Behaviors. This includes adult smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity among other measures. Our mission is: "In partnership with the community we serve, the Crook County Public Health Department protects, promotes and enhances the health, the environment, and well-being of all in our county." To accomplish this, we work with a broad range of individuals and organizations to meet the needs of our community by:

- Preventing epidemics and the spread of disease
- Protecting against environmental hazards
- Preventing injuries
- Encouraging healthy behaviors
- Ensuring that health services are available for those who need them

As the Public Health Department, we aspire to guide Crook County towards a healthier future as individuals and as a community. Your Public Health Department is committed to being a helpful resource to everyone in the county and welcomes your comments.

Yours in Health,

Muriel DeLaVergne-Brown, RN, MPH

Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles
Our Organization
Customer Service Commitment
Our Strategic Plan
Tri County - Community Health Assessment
Regional Health Transformation
Public Health Accreditation

Health Department - Administration