There are many resources and places to look for information when it comes to thinking about public health. To give you a head start, we’ve pulled together a list of key organizations that play an essential role in the field:
American Public Health Association (APHA): The American Public Health Association is the nation’s leading public health organization, working to improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status. APHA strengthens the impact of public health professionals and provides a science-based voice in policy debates. APHA, a membership organization, is at the forefront of efforts to advance prevention, reduce health disparities and promote wellness.
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH): The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health is the voice of accredited academic public health, working to strengthen the capacity of its members by advancing leadership, excellence and collaboration. ASPPH represents schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as well as schools and programs in applicant status for CEPH-accreditation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC is a federal agency that works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, fights disease, and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): HHS is considered the national health department. It works with state and local health departments, and includes multiple divisions. DHHS approves and releases the “Healthy People” framework and objectives as described below.
Healthy People 2030: Healthy People identifies public health priorities to help individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States improve health and well-being. Healthy People 2030, the initiative’s fifth iteration, provides 10-year, measurable public health objectives — and tools to help track progress toward achieving them.
World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and established in1948, is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for directing and coordinating international health work through collaboration. WHO now works with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices, working to attain health objectives by supporting national health policies and strategies. WHO partners with countries, the United Nations, international organizations, civil society, foundations, academia, and research institutions. Its main areas of work include health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.
Local Government Departments of Health
- Maryland Department of Health
- Baltimore City Department of Health
- Baltimore County Department of Health
- Find any other State Health Department
For an extended list of public health organizations and resources, PHS students may visit their Canvas Community page.