When you look beyond the daily programs provided in a typical Montana county, it becomes apparent that the health department plays a large role in assuring a minimum standard of health; by providing the core functions of assessment, assurance and policy development. Program implementation is only a fraction of the duties of a public health program. There are multiple agencies from every level of government that must be involved in efforts to protect the public’s health. The responsibility is awesome. To meet the challenges a functional health department is not only essential but also mandatory.