TDH Vision, Mission, Philosophy,
and 5 Priorities

Vision
Texas is healthy people and healthy communities.

Mission
We partner with the people and communities of Texas to protect, promote, and improve health. We accomplish our mission by:

• Providing and supporting the essential public health services of:
  • Surveillance, diagnosis, and investigation of diseases, health problems, and threats to the public's health.
  • Education, empowerment, and mobilization of individuals and communities to prevent health problems and improve their health status.
  • Promotion of health policies and planning for individuals and community efforts to improve their health. o Regulation and enforcement of public health laws and policies necessary to control disease and protect the public's well-being.
  • Facilitating access to health services for individuals of greatest need.
  • Critically evaluating and refining our public health activities and workforce competence.
• Supporting the health-care safety net for:
  • Children and adults with special health-care needs.
  • Uninsured and under-insured people and families.

Philosophy

We will accomplish our mission and goals by adhering to these values:

• Integrity in all of our actions to build public trust.
• Inclusiveness and diversity of perspectives to achieve the best solutions.
• Partnerships with people, communities, and organizations to build a successful public health system.
• Accountability and responsibility to guide our use of public resources.

5 Priorities

• Protect Texans against vaccine-preventable diseases by improving immunization rates.
• Focus on fitness by promoting healthy eating and regular physical activity.
• Eliminate disparities in health among population groups in Texas.
• Improve our ability to respond to disasters or disease outbreaks, whether they are intentionally caused or naturally occurring.
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of TDH business practices.