The mission of the Division of Health is to promote and protect health and prevent disease and injury among the people of Kansas. This is accomplished through three basic functions:

Assessment - The Division systematically collects, analyzes and publishes information on many aspects of the health status of Kansas residents. Assessment includes examining trends in health, disease and injury.

Policy Development - The Division uses information from its assessments and other sources to develop policies needed to promote and protect health and prevent disease and injury among the people of Kansas. Public health policies incorporate current scientific knowledge about health and disease. Examples of such policies are new or improved service programs, regulatory changes, and recommendations to the Kansas Legislature and the Governor.

Assurance - The Division provides services that are needed to achieve state health goals. In some programs, services are provided by state employees. In other programs, public health services are provided by employees of local health departments or other community-based organizations, with financial and/or technical support from the Division. Services may also be provided indirectly through activities encouraging individuals and organizations to become involved in serving the health needs of the people of Kansas.