The San Francisco Department of Public Health shall:

• Assess and research the health of the community
• Develop and enforce health policy
• Prevent disease and injury
• Educate the public and train health care providers
• Provide quality, comprehensive, culturally-proficient health services
• Ensure equal access to all

The Health Commission sets policy and governs the Department of Public Health. The Commission is comprised of seven mayoral appointees who meet twice each month. The Department strives to achieve its mission through the work of two Divisions - the Community Health Network (CHN) and Population Health and Prevention. The CHN is the City's health system and has locations throughout the City including San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center, Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and over 15 primary care health centers. The Population Health and Prevention Division has a broad focus on the communities of San Francisco and is comprised of the Community Health and Safety Branch, Community Health Promotion and Prevention Branch, and the Community Health Services Branch.