Public Health is the first line of defense against the unseen hazards of modern life, from foodborne illnesses to bioterrorism. The public health system in North Carolina consists of multiple agencies including; public health, Department of Health and Human Services; hospitals, health care providers, and many others.

Public health services are primarily population-based and focused on achieving and preserving the health and wellbeing of communities and populations. Core services of the public health system include prevention and control of epidemics, infectious disease, injuries, chronic disease and disability; assurance of access to preventive services and quality health care; and protection against environmental hazards that impact human health.

In preparation for and response to public health emergencies, disasters and terrorist attack, agencies work together to conduct disease surveillance and investigation and provide treatment consultation, policy recommendations, case management and laboratory testing.

Officials also monitor and assess the health status of North Carolinians through collection and analysis of vital statistics, behavioral risk factor data, and disease and injury data, including forensic data from postmortem examinations. This data and other scientific information and expertise are used to develop policy and deliver disease control and health promotion services.