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

Ebola: A Community Response
Health Services
November 19, 2014
The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (Ebola) in West Africa and recent cases here in the United States are serious. While it is very unlikely that Ebola will become an epidemic in the United States, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services is monitoring the situation and working very closely with federal and state agencies, local health care providers, hospitals, emergency personnel, and neighboring counties to plan for a rapid, coordinated response in the unlikely event a case appears in our county.
Fluoridation Advisory Committee Meeting - January 27, 2015
Health Services
January 23, 2015
The Department of Health Services invites members of the public to observe the next Fluoridation Advisory Committee (FAC) discussion.
Responsible Beverage Service Training for Special Event Servers
Health Services
January 22, 2015
A wide variety of fundraising and cultural events are hosted every year in Sonoma County by schools, service clubs, civic groups, and non-profit and community organizations. Alcohol service and sales is often a component of these events. Careful planning and training of volunteers and staff is needed to ensure that these events are safe, successful, and enjoyable.
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

Winter Weather Health Tips

When the temperature drops, staying safe and warm and performing everyday activities can be challenging and dangerous. Take these steps to protect yourself, and check to be sure your family, friends, clients, neighbors and pets stay safe and warm this winter.

Marijuana Health and Safety information

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

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.

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 Affordable Care Act

Learn about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Health Care Reform, and its implications for Sonoma County residents.

Community Engagement

The Department of Health Services is committed to improving our ability to engage with, meet the needs of, and learn from our residents.

Mental Health Services Act

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

The CAPE Team

The Crisis Assessment, Prevention, and Education Team intervenes with youth ages 16 to 25, who are at risk of or are experiencing first onset of serious psychiatric illness.

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