Dear Community Member,

As Director of the County Public Health Department, I am pleased to present you with the findings of the Santa Barbara County Community Health Survey. Public health involves organized community efforts aimed at prevention of disease and promotion of health. Assessing the community's health is one of the core public health functions. The Public Health Department and other members of the Community Health Assessment Task Force know the importance of having sound data on health status and health needs in order to plan for our future and ensure that appropriate services are available.

As we move into the 21st century, the prevention of health problems will assume greater importance. Partnerships, such as the one forged by the Community Health Assessment Task Force, which bring consumers, government, community service agencies and health care providers together, are key to promoting and protecting the health of the residents of Santa Barbara County.

We hope you will join us in creating a healthier Santa Barbara County.

Sincerely, Roger E. Heroux Director, Public Health Department Santa Barbara County