South Central Public Health District

Idaho’s seven Public Health Districts were established in 1970 under Chapter 4, Title 39, Idaho Code. Their purpose is to ensure essential public health services are available to citizens of the State—no matter how large or small their county population.

In each district the public health services are locally controlled and governed by a Board of Health appointed by the county commissioners from that district. Each Board of Health defines the Public health services to be offered in its district based on the particular needs of the local populations served.

The districts are not state agencies or part of any state department; they are recognized much the same as other single purpose districts, and are accountable to their local Boards of Health, but are required to operate under separate policies and procedures established by the State of Idaho.

The law stipulates that Public Health Districts provide the basic services of public health education, physical health, environmental health and health administration. However, the law does not restrict the districts solely to these categories.

While Idaho’s Public Health Districts are locally based we share a common vision and mission

Districting Law - Idaho Code, Title 39, Chapter 4, Sections 401 through 426
and IDAPA Rules