Frequent Questions

Public Health FAQ

• Who We Are

  We are educators, nurses, doctors, advocates, planners, researchers who work to create healthier people, families, and communities. We:  Monitor our communities' health. Look for health problems and work to solve them. Inform, educate, and empower people to help them make healthy choices and improve their health. Mobilize local groups to improve their environments and get changes made that reduce health risks. Enforce laws and regulations designed to keep our communities healthy. Link people to needed services and to assure they get their needs met. Assure our staff members have the skills to address health needs. Evaluate our services and research ways to improve our communities' health.

• What We Do

  We work to empower the community to improve health, promote health and emergency preparedness, and prevent disease, injury, and disability. We protect and promote the health of the people of Ventura County. We work with and support community-based organizations and health care providers across the County, especially communities with health disparities and reduced access to care.  Download brochures: Public Health Services or SERVICIOS DE SALUD PÚBLICA. Click below for our:  Services and Resources Public Health Locations Map Frequently Requested Phone Numbers Organization Chart

• How do I find Public Health clinics and services?

  Locations has a map of our programs. Services and Resources lists our programs. Public Health clinics offer immunizations, TB skin testing, pregnancy testing, HIV testing, family planning services, sexually transmitted Infection screening and treatment, travel vaccines and education, and well-child examinations and referrals.

• Where can I get tested for STDs or HIV?

  Our Public Health clinics provide sexually transmitted Infection (STD) screening and treatment. Our HIV/AIDS Center can connect you to HIV testing and other services.

• How do I get immunizations for my child?

  They are available through our Childhood Immunization Program. 

• How do I get a travel vaccination?

  Visit Travel Vaccinations for information on international travel vaccines.

• How do I find out about or report restaurants with health problems?

  Contact the County's Environmental Health Department. 

• How do I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

  For birth or death certificates from more than two years ago, call the County Clerks office at 654-2263. For births in the past two years, contact our Vital Records Office.

• How do I find a program to help me quit using tobacco?

  Our Tobacco Prevention program provides a variety of tobacco cessation services.

• How do I find a WIC office (Women, Infants and Children)?

  Go to our WIC page to get nutritional (food and other supports) help for children less than five years old.

• How do I dispose of "Sharps"

  Go to Environmental Health's "Home Generated Sharps" page and download the "Don't Get Stuck with Sharps" flyer.