Which statement best describes how NCDHHS addresses public health problems?

• A. It focuses only on clinical care delivery.
• B. It engages in community outreach and education but not policy.
• C. It addresses systems-level problems affecting marginalized populations through various core functions.
• D. It operates nationwide.

Answer: (C)

Public health work looks at how systems, policies, and social conditions shape health outcomes, especially for people who experience inequities, and then acts through structured public health functions to address those factors. NCDHHS addresses problems by tackling these upstream, systems-level issues and guiding change through its core activities: assessing needs with data, developing policies and programs to remove barriers, and ensuring that services and protections reach those who need them most. This means not only delivering services, but shaping environments and rules that influence health—such as improving access to care, supporting preventive programs, and coordinating with communities and local partners to address social determinants like housing, income, and education. As a state agency, it operates within North Carolina, coordinating with local health departments and federal programs, rather than nationwide. It also includes policy work and community outreach as part of its comprehensive approach, not just clinical care.