About RIDOH
Mission
To prevent disease and protect the health and safety of all Rhode Islanders.
Vision
Safe and healthy lives in safe and healthy communities.
Values
Science-Based Decision Making – We use the best available scientific, medical, and public health evidence to guide transparent decision-making and public health policy.
Health Opportunity – We work toward policies, systems, and environments that ensure all people and communities have equitable access to opportunities to be healthy.
Collaboration – Our work is grounded in community engagement and is advanced through collaboration with our partners, inside and outside government.
Strategic Priorities
1. Address leading causes of injury, illness, and premature death across the lifespan.
2. Reduce health disparities.
3. License and regulate to promote health and wellness.
4. Modernize and bolster public health infrastructure.
Jerome Larkin, MD
Jerome Larkin, MD is the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Dr. Larkin previously served as the Medical Director of Inpatient Infectious Diseases Consultation Services at Rhode Island Hospital. He has also served as the Co-Director of the Pediatric HIV Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Clinic at Rhode Island Hospital. Dr. Larkin has authored many abstracts, chapters, and works in peer-reviewed journals and publications and has been recognized with multiple awards and honors. They include the 2022 Steven M. Opal Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2015 Beckwith Family Award for Outstanding Teaching, both from Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Dr. Larkin is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine and in General Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He received his medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his undergraduate degree at Boston College.
Organizational Structure
- Community Health and Equity, Division of
- Data Analytics, Vital Records, and Health Systems Policy, Division of
- Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease, Division of
- Environmental Health, Division of
- Healthcare Quality and Safety, Division of
- Medical Examiners, Office of the State
- Policy, Office of
- Public Health Communication, Center for
- RIDOH Academic Institute
- State Laboratories, Division of
Public Health Accreditation
The Rhode Island Department of Health gained accreditation in November 2015 and was reaccredited in 2024. Being accredited means we are committed to transparency, accountability, and a culture of continuous quality improvement so that we can better serve our customers and help ensure that everyone has an equal chance to live in a healthy community. Click here to learn more about the public health accreditation process.