Established in 1839, the City of Manchester Health Department (MHD) is an innovative and proactive local health department grounded in the principles and application of the core public health functions -- Prevention, Protection, Promotion, and Population-focused Planning. MHD subscribes to the 10 Essential Public Health Services framework as we work to achieve optimal health for the City and its residents.
MHD strives to be the “chief health strategist” of the Manchester community and a high achieving local governmental health department that balances the provision of traditional public health services with more “upstream” strategies which focus on the drivers of health across priority neighborhoods and targeted populations.
Every three years, in collaboration with Catholic Medical Center, Dartmouth Health, the Elliot Health System and multiple community partners, MHD spearheads the creation and release of a Community Health Needs Assessment, identifying and prioritizing those critical public health needs facing Manchester. These Assessments then guide the development and implementation of health improvement plans to benefit the City’s population.
MHD also partners with many agencies and organizations to build resiliency and meet the needs of the City’s youth, families and neighborhoods in areas ranging from food insecurity and healthy aging to substance misuse prevention and mental wellness.
MHD manages a total operating budget of $8 million, with approximately 60% of its funding comprised of federal, state and private foundation grants. MHD has a strong fiscal track records and capacity to develop resources beyond its municipal funds.
