< > W193 - California Department of Health Services - http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov

Our Mission . . .

The mission of the California Department of Health Services (DHS) is to protect and improve the health of all Californians. With the support of dedicated and skilled employees and the application of public health sciences, the Department is committed to: 

• Reducing the occurrence of preventable disease, disability, and premature death among all Californians. 
• Closing the gaps in health status and access to care among the State's diverse population subgroups. 
• Providing leadership and setting the standard in reforming health care into a coordinated, accountable, and affordable health care system which emphasizes access to appropriate preventive measures and high-quality services. 
• Building and fostering strong partnerships for health with local health agencies, public and private agencies, community-based organizations, providers, consumers, educational and academic institutions, and other interested groups. 
• Improving the quality and cultural competence of the Department's operations, services, and programs. 

Our Goals

What we plan to accomplish in the next three years: 

1. Demonstrate leadership in the reform of health care.
2. Develop and implement initiatives that systematically attack the underlying causes of preventable disease or hazardous conditions.
3. Strengthen existing relationships with local health agencies and expand partnerships with multicultural, ethnic, and women's organizations.
4. Strengthen the scientific base for public health in California.
5. Consolidate DHS programs that provide personal health services into comprehensive health care systems emphasizing primary care.
6. Establish networks of organized health care systems which emphasize primary and preventive care, using the principles of managed care to improve beneficiary access and ensure cost-effective use of health care resources.
7. Work to close the gaps in health status and access to care among the State's diverse population subgroups.
8. Build an easily accessible data system that will support policy analysis and program decisions at all levels; be useful to providers, local and community agencies, and the state; and ultimately benefit all Californians.
9. Reform DHS administration and program management, including external contracting, into a rational, business-like, and outcome-oriented approach.
10. Elevate the morale of DHS employees by recognizing the value of our human resources,
    encouraging their development, and enhancing their work environment.
11. Promote and maintain awareness of the critical role of each employee and her or his respective contributions to achievement of the Department's overall mission and success of its programs.