Air Management Services is Philadelphia’s local air pollution agency. We monitor air pollutants; enforce city, state, and federal air quality regulations; issue permits and licenses to install or operate equipment that emits or controls air pollution; regulate asbestos-related activities; and work with individuals and businesses to help them comply with the legal requirements for construction and demolition projects. The director of Air Management Services is Kassahun Sellassie, Ph.D., P.E.

Ambulatory Health Services operates eight City health centers in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. The centers provide primary medical care and support services to enrolled patients of all ages. We charge a small fee based on family size and income and help patients apply for affordable health insurance. We also provide flu shots to the public during flu season. The director of Ambulatory Health Services is Cheryl Kramer, M.B.A.

Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention supports programs and policies that prevent and delay chronic disease, reduce gun violence and other forms of injury, promote wellness in children and adults, and provide sustainable health change in communities. We work closely with Philadelphia residents and health care providers to promote healthy behavior and lifestyles that help to reduce preventable diseases and prevent injuries. The director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention is Kinnari Chandriani, M.D.

Disease Control works to prevent, control, and report on diseases and conditions that are contagious and/or affect the public’s health. We also help people to prepare for public health emergencies and educate the community about how to stay safe and healthy. Programs include: Acute Communicable Disease, Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness, COVID-19 Containment, Epidemiology, Immunizations, STD Control, and Tuberculosis Control. The director of Disease Control is Landrus Burress, DrPH, M.P.H., M.S.

Environmental Health Services works to provide a safe and healthy environment for all Philadelphians. We enforce statutes, provide education and training, respond to emergencies, and issue licenses and permits. Programs include:

• Environmental Engineering: (215) 685-7342
• Food Protection: (215) 685-7495
• Lead and Healthy Homes: (215) 685-2788
• Vector Control: (215) 685-9000

The director of Environmental Health Services is Dawn Kiesewetter, M.P.H.

The Health Commissioner’s Office sets policy and provides leadership for the Department of Public Health. We work closely with department programs and outside human service providers in Philadelphia to assure high-quality health care services for all. The health commissioner is Palak Raval-Nelson, Ph.D., M.P.H.

HIV Health supports a range of health and support services in Philadelphia to prevent and treat HIV. We work to make sure everyone has access to the services and information they need, especially people in communities most affected by HIV. We also operate a Health Information Helpline that provides education, referral, and support. The director of HIV Health is Kathleen Brady, M.D.

Human Resources provides ongoing support to current employees and new hires of the Department of Public Health. We seek to enhance our workforce with qualified and enthusiastic individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds.  The director of Human Resources is Jeffrey Easter.

Laboratory Services performs a wide range of testing services in a state-of-the-art public health laboratory. We collaborate with other Department of Public Health programs as well as selected outside agencies in Philadelphia to support investigations of disease outbreaks or threats to the health of the public. The director of Laboratory Services is Bernadette Matthis, MSBA, MLS (ASCP).

Maternal, Child, and Family Health supports a range of health and support services to improve the health of women, children, and parenting families in Philadelphia. We provide outreach and education to pregnant women and new families, case management and home visiting, breastfeeding education and support, and support for families of children with special health care needs. The director of Maternal, Child, and Family Health is Aasta D. Mehta, M.D., M.P.P.

The Medical Examiner’s Office determines the cause and manner of death for sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths in Philadelphia. Our doctors, scientists, and technicians work with the Philadelphia Police Department to investigate these deaths. We also provide crisis intervention and support services to families who have lost a loved one and coordinate fatality reviews of selected vulnerable populations. The Chief Medical Examiner is Lindsay Simon, M.D.

Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction works to reduce the number of people initiating use of illicit opioids and other drugs while ensuring that individuals in active addiction are receiving the harm reduction and treatment resources they need. We manage and analyze data on local drug use and its consequences, including overdoses, hospitalizations, and drug treatment utilization, and prepares summary reports and statistics that are used to inform City policy and initiatives. Programs include: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance and Outreach, Overdose Death Review (OD Stat), Surveillance and Epidemiology, Communications, Prescriber Training and Education, and Treatment Linkage. The director of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction is Andrew R. Best, Jr., D.P.A., M.P.A., M.S.S., L.S.W.

The Department of Public Health collects, analyzes, and reports on a wide variety of Philadelphia health data. Anyone can request Philadelphia health data, including members of the public. If you plan to use the data for formal research, the Institutional Review Board and the Health Commissioner’s Office Review Committee may need to review your request.

All media inquiries should be directed to James Garrow, Director of Communications, at phlpublichealth@phila.gov or (215) 200-7901.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Send us a message.