Department of Health Services

Protecting the health and well-being of individuals and the community is the fundamental responsibility of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Thanks to the hard work of over 550 Health Services staff and our community partners, the Department of Health Services continues to provide a broad range of innovative and creative services designed to protect, promote and achieve healthy individuals, families, and communities. Health Services is here for you and the community.

Seasonal Flu

In the United States, yearly outbreaks of seasonal flu usually occur during the fall through early spring. Influenza or "the flu" is a serious contagious disease. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Learn More and Get Vaccinated!

A Portrait of Sonoma County

A Portrait of Sonoma County is an in-depth look at how the residents of Sonoma County are faring in three fundamental areas: life expectancy, education, and income.

Learn More

Latest News

Letter from Sonoma County Health Officer: Measles Outbreak in California
Health Services
February 5, 2015
California is currently experiencing a large outbreak of measles which can be a serious illness. To learn how to protect yourself and your family read this letter from the Sonoma County Health Officer.
Adoptable Pets of the Week - March 2, 2015
Sonoma County Animal Services
March 2, 2015
Seeking to bring a new dog, cat, bunny or other friendly critter into your life? Maybe one of our pets of the week is the match for you!
Adoptable Pets of the Week - February 24, 2015
Sonoma County Animal Services
February 24, 2015
Seeking to bring a new dog, cat, bunny or other friendly critter into your life? Maybe one of our pets of the week is the match for you!
More News

Press Releases

Flu season is here!
Health Services
January 17, 2015
Consistent with trends seen across the Bay Area, influenza activity in Sonoma County is increasing. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Interim Director of Sonoma County Animal Services Appointed
Health Services
August 25, 2014
The Department of Health Services has appointed Brian Whipple as the interim Director of Sonoma County Animal Services (SCAS) effective August 26, 2014. Mr. Whipple has been a Supervising Animal Control Officer with the County of Sonoma since November 2013.
Grading System Proposed for Sonoma County Food Facilities
“Go for the Green”
Health Services
August 19, 2014
Department of Health Services, Environmental Health is proposing a new food facility grading system to improve food safety in retail food facilities and help customers make dining choices with one look. Environmental Health will post a color-coded placard (green-pass, yellow-conditional and red-closed) at all food facilities showing results of the facility’s most recent inspection.
More Press Releases

Featured Topics

The Affordable Care Act in Sonoma County

A resource for individuals, families, businesses, and others to learn about the new health care law and its implications for Sonoma County residents.

Aging Together Sonoma County

Our mission: to promote a community that ages together and supports opportunities where we can enlighten, encourage, and care for each other with honor, respect and interdependence.

Behavioral Health Crisis Response

Our Behavioral Health Division provides a comprehensive response to crisis that may occur in the community.

Community Engagement in Sonoma County

Our department is committed to improving our ability to engage with, meet the needs of, and learn from our residents.

Drought in Sonoma County

Several consecutive dry years on top of the driest year on record in 2013 have culminated into drought conditions in the region. Despite recent rain, rainfall and water supply levels in both Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma remain below average.

Marijuana Health and Safety information

Accurate, science-based information addressing the public health and safety impacts of marijuana in our community.

Meaningful Use: Public Health Reporting

Sonoma County Eligible Professionals (EP) and Eligible Hospitals (EH) and Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) may meet their Public Health Reporting, meaningful use objectives.

The Mental Health Services Act

Sonoma County's public planning process for implementation of the MHSA began in the fall of 2004 and continues today.

Message from the Director

Rita Scardaci
Director

Welcome to the Sonoma County Department of Health Services website! The Department is proud of the diverse service we provide to our community, and protecting the health and well being of individuals and the community is our preeminent responsibility.

Multiple factors play a role in the health of a community. What we eat; how often we exercise; the design and construction of our communities; the air we breathe; access to a health home, educational attainment, affordable housing, and climate change - all can affect our physical and mental health.

As such, every day our lives are touched by Health Services programs and services. Thanks to the dedicated and skilled work of over 550 Health Services staff and our many community partners, the Department of Health Services continues to provide a broad range of innovative, award-winning, and creative services designed to protect, promote and achieve healthy individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to working collaboratively with the community and our partners to make Sonoma County the healthiest county in the state by 2020.

We are interested in your opinions and views on how we can improve these services and the health of our community and/or this website. Please feel free to send me your feedback at dhsdir@sonoma-county.org.

- Rita Scardaci, Director of Health Services