The Clinical Health Bureau encompasses a wide array of programs in place to both individual and population health needs.
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program collaborate closely with other Harford County agencies and regional partners to strategically prepare for and respond to natural or man-made emergencies. In concert with all Harford County Health Department employees, the staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to public health emergencies.
Family planning puts people in control of their reproductive health. Our program provides birth control, gynecological exams and a full array of related services. We provide referrals to services we do not provide ourselves, such as vasectomy, infertility, and prenatal care/obstetrics.
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Our harm reduction program advocates for the rights, health, and well-being of people who use drugs. Our approach combines anti-stigma education, naloxone distribution, collaboration with other agencies, an active Community Advisory Board, and linkage to treatment and other relevant health services.
Hepatitis C is referred to as a hidden epidemic. Because it can take years for symptoms to develop it often goes undetected and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. We provide free rapid Hepatitis C testing. For those who test positive, Hepatitis C treatment is also available.
We provide services for people living with HIV and prevention tools for people who are HIV-negative. These include free testing, case management, sexual health education, partner services, and PrEP (the once-daily pill to prevent HIV).
Immunizations are a first-line defense against the spread of infectious disease, prolonging life and improving health outcomes community-wide. Our immunizations program offers vaccines and referrals and assists in compliance.
We offer health education and outreach services in a variety of settings. Educational programming covers topics from sexual health to overdose prevention to the social determinants of health.
Federal and State law requires public health authorities to investigate cases of all reportable diseases. These include but are not limited to HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, rabies, lyme, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and food-borne illnesses.
Our nurses serve as contact tracers for these and other reportable diseases.
Providers, hospitals, and labs are mandated to report all such cases to the Health Department.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
STIs affect people of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status. In the U.S., STIs have increased dramatically in recent years. We offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
In some circumstances, clinical services may be available virtually via telehealth platforms. Ask when scheduling an appointment if a telehealth visit is right for you.
