Section 610.100  Statement of Purpose

a)         This Part sets forth the requirements for administration of the Local Health Department Development Grant by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Local Health Department Development Grants are awarded annually to local boards of health to provide financial assistance for the establishment and certification of local health departments.

b)         The Department is committed to the mission of public health – to fulfill society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.  Because of this commitment, the Department has the responsibility to assure that quality public health services are delivered to Illinois citizens.  Where possible, it is in the best interest of Illinois citizens to have public health services delivered at the local level by a local health department. The Department provides Local Health Department Development Grants as seed money to encourage the establishment of local health departments in counties without local public health services.  The Local Health Department Development Grant is one of the State's contribution to assuring that the public health mission is achieved in all areas of Illinois.