The Kern County Public Health Services Department is the local governmental agency charged with the protection and promotion of the public’s health. Our mission is “To protect and safeguard the health and safety of the community.” The Kern County Department of Public Health operates public health programs and enforces laws relating to public health, as prescribed in the State Health and Safety Code and the Kern County Ordinance Code. There are three departmental divisions, Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health Services and Public Health Services.