Aug. 31, 2023. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – The Washoe County Health District officially changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) today, a rebrand that aims to reengage the community on the breadth of public health services available to those in Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, but does not change or affect any of its existing services or regulatory roles.

The major change that residents will see is a new website, www.NNPH.org, a new logo and color scheme, updated outdoor signage at its 1001 E. 9th St., Building B facility, updated forms, new social media profiles and other branded documents.

Residents, however, can continue to expect outstanding staff expertise and service for air quality, clinical and community health (immunizations, sexual health, WIC), environmental health, epidemiology and public health preparedness and much more, which are governed by the District Board of Health.

“This name change positions our organization to be viewed by the community as the protector of public health measures but also providing necessary services to people who need it most,” said Kevin Dick, Health Officer for NNPH. “Our staff is on the ground every day ensuring safe conditions and practices are being met for our restaurants, childcare facilities, public pools and spas, Emergency Medical Services response, tattoo and body piercing facilities, land development, mobile home and RV parks and underground storage tanks like the ones at every gas station.

Dick continued, “We’ve invested in health equity the last several years and it’s paying off in the community. Whether it’s our bilingual community workers promoting flu shot events in the Hispanic community, marching for Pride Day or working with various community organizations to collaborate on common public health needs, we hope that when people see Northern Nevada Public Health they know that it’s a team of smart, talented professionals working for the common good and driving community health and wellness.”

While NNPH is located in the same complex with many Washoe County departments, its governing body is the District Board of Health, which is made up of members of the Reno and Sparks city councils and the Washoe County Board of Commissioners. NNPH’s regulatory public health roles, as defined in Nevada Revised Statutes, remain the same. The name change, which was approved by the District Board of Health in 2021, was requested by local elected officials to give the organization autonomy.

For a list of programs and services, or to make a clinic appointment, please visit our website at www.NNPH.org.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.