Who We Are

Overview

The Baltimore City Health Department is the oldest, continuously-operating health department in the United States, formed in 1793 when the governor appointed the city's first health officers in response to a yellow fever outbreak in the Fells Point neighborhood.  During the more than 220 years since then, we’ve been working to improve the health and well-being of Baltimore residents.  We strive to make Baltimore a city where all residents realize their full health potential.

In collaboration with other city agencies, health care providers, community organizations, and funders, we aim to empower all Baltimoreans with the knowledge, access, and environment that will enable healthy living.  

The Health Department has a wide-ranging area of responsibility, including acute communicable diseases, animal control, chronic disease prevention, emergency preparedness, HIV/STD, maternal-child health, restaurant inspections, school health, senior services, and youth violence issues. The agency includes a workforce of approximately 800 employees and has a budget of approximately $208 million.

Our Mission

To protect health, eliminate disparities, and enhance the wellbeing of everyone in our community through education, coordination, advocacy, and direct service delivery. 

Our Vision

An equitable, just, and well Baltimore where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and to thrive.

Organizational Chart

The Baltimore City Health Department is organized into four divisions: Finance & Administration, Youth Wellness & Community Health, Population Health & Disease Prevention, and Aging.

Download BCHD Organizational Chart

Administration

Within the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), the Administration division consist of Equity in BCHD, Human Resources, and the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) that integrates several key components to effectively promote public health. 

Advisory Committees

Our advisory committees provide guidance and expertise on key health issues affecting Baltimore City residents.

Human Resources

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) Human Resources division plays a vital role in building a diverse and skilled workforce dedicated to improving public health within the City of Baltimore. The human resource division focuses on recruiting, training, and supporting employees to ensure they have the resources and opportunities needed to excel within their career. 

Fostering a positive work environment, promoting professional development, and creating wellness within BCHD helps establish a culture that empowers employees to make positive impacts and contributions to the department, within the community, and to those we serve. Human Resources offers an extensive list of career opportunities within the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) and within the City of Baltimore.