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About Us

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is the primary state health agency for the state of Alabama.

Alabama law designates the State Board of Health as an advisory board to the state in all medical matters, matters of sanitation, and public health. The Medical Association, which meets annually, is the State Board of Health. The State Committee of Public Health meets monthly between the annual meetings and is authorized to act on behalf of the State Board of Health. The State Health Officer is empowered to act on behalf of the State Committee of Public Health when the committee is not in session.

More than 140 years ago, medical leaders in Alabama advocated constitutional authority to oversee matters of public health. The purpose of the authority was to develop a system of hygiene to preserve and prolong life, to plan an educational program for all people on the rules which govern a healthful existence, and to determine a way to enforce health laws for the welfare of all people.

Learn more about ADPH by visiting the following links:





Page last updated: February 2, 2024