Public Health

Los Angeles County CA Public Health services cover disease prevention, community clinics, environmental health, birth and death records, emergency preparedness, substance use treatment, maternal and child health, vaccinations, sexual health, and many other programs affecting residents, families, businesses, and health professionals. This article explains how the Department of Public Health is organized, where to look for specific services, what information to prepare before contacting an office, and how to avoid delays caused by using the wrong program or reporting system.

Department of Public Health Role

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protects the health and safety of approximately 10 million residents. Its responsibilities extend beyond medical clinics. The department monitors communicable diseases, operates public health centers, regulates certain businesses and facilities, responds to environmental health complaints, issues public warnings, supports emergency planning, maintains selected vital records, and coordinates programs for families, children, older adults, and people affected by substance use disorders.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website is the main starting point for countywide health information. It organizes services into categories such as illness prevention, substance use help, official records, family support, emergency preparedness, violence prevention, environmental safety, and community health programs.

Residents who are unsure which program handles their concern may call the Public Health Infoline at (833) 540-0473. The line operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Callers should be ready to explain the type of service they need, the city or ZIP Code involved, and whether the issue concerns a person, property, business, health facility, animal, or public location.

Choosing the Correct Program

Public Health includes many divisions with different responsibilities. Selecting the correct division can prevent referrals, duplicate reports, and unnecessary delays. The Department Programs Directory lists specialized offices such as Acute Communicable Disease Control, Children’s Medical Services, Environmental Health, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Public Health Nursing, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, Tuberculosis Control, Veterinary Public Health, and the Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program.

Before contacting a program, identify the main purpose of the request. A restaurant complaint belongs with Environmental Health, while an illness believed to be connected to food should be submitted as a foodborne illness report. A request for a recent birth certificate belongs with DPH Vital Records, while many older records are handled by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Questions about an individual patient’s treatment generally belong with the clinic or medical provider involved, not with a broad public health information office.

Information to Prepare

The required details depend on the service, but having accurate information available usually makes a report or request easier to process. Residents may need to provide:

The address, city, or ZIP Code connected to the issue.
The name and location of a restaurant, market, rental property, clinic, or other facility.
The date and approximate time an incident occurred.
A description of symptoms, unsafe conditions, or observed hazards.
The type of record, permit, appointment, inspection, or treatment being requested.
Insurance information when visiting a clinic that bills insurance.
Existing patient portal credentials when requesting clinic appointments or reviewing results.

Use the location where the event occurred rather than only the requester’s home address. Public health jurisdiction and program responsibility may depend on the city, facility, or event location.

Public Health Centers and Clinics

County public health centers provide selected preventive and clinical services. Available services may include sexual health care, STD and HIV testing, treatment, HIV prevention medication, mpox services, family planning, vaccinations, tuberculosis screening, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and certain COVID-19 services. Services vary by location, and clinic assignments can change.

The county’s Public Health Centers page should be reviewed before visiting. It provides current information about clinic services and nearby locations. Do not assume that every public health center offers the same tests, vaccines, appointments, or walk-in services.

When planning a clinic visit, confirm the service category, registration schedule, appointment requirements, and location status. County holidays and program changes can affect normal operations. Bring any requested identification, insurance information, medical documentation, vaccination records, or referral paperwork that applies to the service.

Appointment and Walk-In Differences

Some clinics prefer scheduled appointments but offer a limited number of walk-in visits. A walk-in option does not guarantee that a patient will be seen. Capacity can depend on staffing, registration times, the number of patients already waiting, and the type of care required.

Arriving early may improve the chance of receiving a walk-in appointment, but residents should not rely on walk-in availability for time-sensitive care. Appointment instructions should be checked directly through the relevant clinic program before traveling.

Sexual Health Services

The Department of Public Health operates sexual health clinics that provide testing, treatment, prevention services, and family planning. The Sexual Health Clinics page explains current services, appointment procedures, clinic types, registration schedules, and location changes.

Testing may be available for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and herpes. Examinations can also identify signs of genital warts or pelvic inflammatory disease. When medication is needed for an infection treated by the clinic, it may be provided during the visit.

Services also include HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, and post-exposure prophylaxis, known as PEP. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible HIV exposure. DoxyPEP may be offered to reduce the risk of syphilis and chlamydia after sex. Mpox testing, treatment, and vaccination may also be available.

Family planning services can include birth control methods, emergency contraception, Pap tests, condoms, and lubricant. Emergency contraception pills must be taken within five days after sex, with earlier use preferred. Naloxone spray and fentanyl test strips may also be available through the clinics.

Clinic Cost and Eligibility

County sexual health clinics state that services are free or low cost. Patients are not charged clinic fees, copayments, or coinsurance for covered services described by the program, although immunization fees may apply. Patients with insurance should provide their insurance information so the clinic can bill the plan.

The clinics are open regardless of citizenship status, and the department states that immigration status is not reported to authorities. Patients age 12 or older may receive testing and treatment without parental notification as permitted by law.

Patient Portal and Results

Patients may use the LA Health Portal to request appointments and obtain test results. Enrollment may be required before portal functions become available. Patients who have previously received care at a county sexual health clinic can use the portal’s appointment tools after gaining access.

Test results may take two to ten business days. Patients should verify that their contact and portal information is accurate and follow the clinic’s instructions for obtaining results. A missing portal notification does not necessarily mean testing was not completed.

Vaccination Information

The Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program provides public and provider information about vaccination, vaccine-preventable illnesses, schedules, disease-specific guidance, and vaccine locations. Residents can review the Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program for information covering influenza, measles, COVID-19, hepatitis, HPV, mpox, RSV, shingles, tetanus, whooping cough, and other diseases.

County vaccination information may differ from general statements circulating online because Los Angeles County follows applicable California public health guidance. Parents and caregivers should confirm current requirements for schools, childcare, and specific age groups through official county or state guidance and discuss individual health decisions with a qualified healthcare provider.

Before visiting a vaccination location, confirm which vaccine is available, the eligible age range, appointment procedures, possible fees, and any records that should be brought. A general vaccine listing does not guarantee that every location has every vaccine on a particular day.

Birth and Death Certificates

The DPH Vital Records office maintains selected birth and death records for events occurring in Los Angeles County, except events in Pasadena and Long Beach. Its authority is limited by the date of the event.

The DPH Vital Records Office maintains birth and death certificates for events occurring during the current or previous year. Certificates generally become available 10 days after the original certificate has been registered. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the procedures identified by the office.

Records outside that period are handled by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Using the wrong records office can delay a request, so applicants should first confirm the event year and whether the event occurred in Pasadena or Long Beach.

Details to Verify First

Before ordering a certificate, confirm the person’s full name, the event date, the event location, the type of certificate needed, and the relationship or authorization required for the requested copy. Do not submit a request to DPH Vital Records solely because the event occurred somewhere in Los Angeles County; the year and city exclusions also determine which office is responsible.

Environmental Health Concerns

Environmental Health handles many complaints involving businesses, rental properties, food facilities, sanitation, and neighborhood conditions. Common concerns include restaurant or food market problems, unpermitted food vendors, rodents, sewage or wastewater discharge, lack of water, accumulated trash, poorly maintained rental housing, mosquito breeding, unsafe swimming pools, lead hazards, mold in rental housing, and problems involving body art or permanent makeup operations.

The Public Health contact directory separates environmental complaints from foodborne illness reports, animal bite reports, public records requests, facility complaints, and website corrections. Residents should select the category that describes the underlying issue rather than submitting the same report to several programs.

Property Complaints

For a property-related complaint, gather the complete address, unit number when applicable, type of property, dates the condition was observed, and a specific description of the hazard. For recurring problems, note how often the condition occurs. Avoid broad statements such as “the property is unsafe” without identifying the actual condition.

Food Facility Reports

A sanitation or operating concern at a restaurant or market is different from a report that someone became ill after eating food. Inspection complaints should identify the facility and condition observed. Foodborne illness reports should include the foods consumed, date and time of the meal, when symptoms began, the number of people affected, and any other locations where the person ate during the relevant period.

The Environmental Health information line is (888) 700-9995. Callers should describe the issue clearly so it can be directed to the appropriate inspection or complaint program.

Animal Bite Reporting

Animal bites to people are legally reportable in Los Angeles County, except bites from rodents and rabbits. Wild mammal bites to domestic animals must also be reported, excluding rodent and rabbit incidents.

Bat encounters require particular attention because a bat bite may be too small to detect. All bat-human and bat-domestic animal interactions should be reported. A report should include the date, location, animal type, ownership information if known, injured person or animal, and any available information about vaccination or confinement.

Animal bite reports belong with Veterinary Public Health. They should not be sent as general environmental health complaints or food facility reports.

Substance Use Treatment

The Substance Abuse Prevention and Control program connects residents with alcohol and drug treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction services. The county describes its treatment system as having “no wrong door,” meaning residents may enter through more than one referral pathway.

The Substance Use Disorder treatment entryways include the Substance Abuse Service Helpline, Client Engagement and Navigation Services locations, and direct contact with treatment providers. The Substance Abuse Service Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 1-844-804-7500 for screening, information, and referrals.

No-cost treatment may be available to Los Angeles County residents who meet medical necessity requirements and are enrolled in or eligible for Medi-Cal. Certain participants in AB 109, CalWORKs, Drug Court, General Relief, or Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act programs may also qualify under the program’s stated criteria. A share of cost may apply to some Medi-Cal-eligible individuals.

Residents who are uncertain about eligibility should complete a screening rather than assuming they do not qualify. Immigration status, language preference, sexual orientation, or identity does not prevent a person from requesting screening and referral through the county system.

Maternal and Child Programs

The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division supports pregnant and postpartum people, infants, children, adolescents, fathers, caregivers, and families. Its programs address prenatal care, postpartum support, child development, lead poisoning prevention, home visiting, infant health, safe sleep, adolescent health, and access to children’s medical services.

The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health program provides information about prenatal and postpartum services, home visiting, breast and chestfeeding education, the Black Infant Health Program, the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative, child health resources, and youth participation programs.

Eligibility varies by program. Some services are designed for a particular age group, pregnancy stage, insurance category, or population. Applicants and referring providers should review the specific program criteria before submitting a referral. Information commonly needed may include pregnancy status, expected delivery date, postpartum status, child age, county residence, insurance information, and the type of assistance requested.

Emergency Preparedness and Alerts

Public Health prepares for the health consequences of earthquakes, fires, extreme heat, floods, disease outbreaks, and intentional emergencies. The department coordinates readiness planning, threat assessment, operational response, and public guidance.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Division provides preparedness materials for families, neighborhoods, people with disabilities, older adults, pet owners, and residents who rely on medication. Public guidance covers planning before an emergency, responding during an event, and managing health risks during recovery.

Residents should maintain current medication information, emergency contacts, basic supplies, and plans for household members with access or functional needs. Public health alerts during heat, wildfire smoke, beach contamination, or disease outbreaks may change quickly, so current county notices should be reviewed rather than relying on an older announcement.

Reports for Health Professionals

California law requires healthcare providers to report more than 85 diseases or conditions to the local health department. Reportable events include communicable diseases and animal bites to humans. The Department of Public Health provides disease-specific reporting instructions, forms, consultation contacts, and professional alerts.

Health professionals should use the designated reporting process for the disease or condition involved. A general contact form or patient complaint system is not a substitute for mandatory disease reporting. Reports should include the required clinical, laboratory, patient, provider, and exposure information specified by the applicable reporting form.

The Los Angeles Health Alert Network distributes alerts, advisories, and updates for healthcare professionals about outbreaks, emerging infections, and other public health threats. Urgent public health consultations that cannot wait until the next working day can be directed through the county operator at 213-974-1234 by asking for the physician on call.

Public Records and Subpoenas

Public Records Act requests and subpoenas are handled through the department’s Public Health Investigation Unit, which serves as the Custodian of Records. These procedures are separate from ordering birth or death certificates, obtaining personal clinic results, reporting a health concern, or submitting a complaint about a facility.

A records request should identify the records sought with enough detail for the department to locate them. Relevant details may include the program name, facility, date range, report type, subject matter, and any known record identifiers. Requests that combine unrelated programs or use broad descriptions may require additional clarification.

Subpoenas must be served through the location and procedure designated by the Custodian of Records. Sending a subpoena to a clinic, public information office, or unrelated division may not satisfy the department’s service requirements.

Common Service Mistakes

Many delays occur because a request is submitted to a program with similar terminology but different authority. Residents can reduce errors by avoiding these common mistakes:

Sending a foodborne illness report as a general restaurant sanitation complaint.

Contacting DPH Vital Records for a certificate outside the current or previous year.

Assuming every public health center provides the same clinic services.

Relying on walk-in availability without checking current registration schedules.

Using a county complaint process for a healthcare facility complaint handled by the California Department of Public Health.

Submitting a website correction form to report an environmental health hazard.

Using a public records request to obtain personal test results or medical records.

Failing to report a bat interaction because no visible bite was found.

Providing only a neighborhood name instead of the complete address of a property or business.

Visiting a clinic without checking for service relocations, closures, or changed schedules.

Residents using translated pages should be aware that the department identifies the English version of its website as the official version when questions arise about computerized translation accuracy.

Departments and Offices

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response Division
600 S. Commonwealth Ave., Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 637-3600

Public Health FAQs

How can I check current health warnings?

Use the official Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website for time-sensitive notices involving extreme heat, beach water quality, measles exposures, respiratory illnesses, food recalls, wildfire conditions, and other local health concerns. Check the date on each notice before acting because affected locations, exposure periods, and safety instructions may change. For beach warnings, review the specific beach and water area named in the advisory rather than assuming an entire coastline is closed.

Does the county operate clinics in Long Beach and Pasadena?

No. Long Beach and Pasadena operate their own city health departments and are not served through Los Angeles County public health clinics in the same way as other county communities. Residents seeking clinic services in either city should follow that city’s official health department instructions. The county’s Public Health Centers page explains this jurisdictional difference and lists current county clinic options for other areas.

Which clinic services require a referral?

Tuberculosis evaluation and treatment services for people with confirmed or suspected TB are provided by referral. Refugee health assessment clinics also require referrals and serve refugees and other eligible arrivals. Nurse clinic services, sexual health care, vaccines, and testing may follow different scheduling rules. Confirm the service type before completing forms or traveling, since being eligible for one clinic program does not automatically provide access to referral-only care.

Can clinic paperwork be completed beforehand?

Yes. The county provides patient information forms, consent materials, privacy notices, nondiscrimination information, and patient rights documents through its health center website. Printing and completing the applicable registration form before the visit may reduce processing time, but patients should leave any unclear sections blank for clinic staff. Bring the completed form only to the location providing the requested service, and review current clinic notices because several former locations are no longer active.

Where can I find an uncommon health topic?

Use the official Public Health A–Z Topics directory when a subject does not fit a main website category. It includes disease guidance, inspection information, professional reporting pages, environmental programs, permits, health data, and specialized services. Search by the main condition or service name rather than a broad phrase to reach the most relevant county program.