What is the purpose and mission of North Carolina's public health system?

A North Carolina statute describes the purpose and mission of the state’s public health system. The purpose is “to ensure that all citizens in the State have equal access to essential public health services,” and the mission is “to promote and contribute to the highest level of health possible for the people of North Carolina” by

• identifying and preventing or reducing community health risks;
• detecting, investigating, and preventing the spread of disease;
• promoting healthy lifestyles and a safe and healthful environment;
• promoting the accessibility and availability of quality health care services in the private sector; and
• providing health care services when they are not otherwise available.[1]

 The law gives state agencies the responsibility for ensuring that these services are available throughout the state, but the actual provision of most services occurs at the local level.