Who We Are

The National Park Service Office of Public Health is made up of United States Commissioned Corps Officers and civilian staff who believe that parks should be healthy and welcoming spaces for all. OPH staff are positioned across the country to address public health needs in all 12 of the Department of the Interior regions. In addition to carrying out the numerous public health efforts in parks, the Office of Public Health serves as the official personnel office and primary liaison to the U.S. Surgeon General for all U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Officers assigned to the Department of the Interior. Commissioned Corps officers provide mission critical public health functions, for a non-health agency, in the areas of infectious disease surveillance and control, occupational safety and health, injury prevention, facility engineering, water, wastewater and food facility inspections, and clinical services. Currently, Officers are assigned to the Department of the Interior and the following bureaus: National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Land Managment and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

person bikes on a path through green trees on either side
Explore the Power of Parks for Health

Reflect on how parks empower you and your health journey!

Last updated: January 11, 2024