Public health is a broad field that focuses on preventing disease and injury and improving the overall well-being of a society. This is done through education, research, and community outreach. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes it as “the practice, science, and art of protecting and improving the health and safety of people and communities through surveillance, intervention, education, and promotion.”
A wide variety of federal, state, and local governmental and non-governmental organizations have roles in public health. These include the CDC, the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and dozens of state and local departments of public health. Congress makes laws and oversees the Executive branch, and determines how much money is available for public health programs. During national emergencies, such as during COVID-19, Congress may pass supplemental funding for local and state public health efforts.
The Constitution grants some responsibilities and powers to the federal government, including the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, which can include public health measures such as quarantines and isolation. However, most public health functions are carried out at the state and local level, with varying roles at each level and at the 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages. In the United States, this has led to a system sometimes called a “patchwork” of public health. In addition, a wide variety of private actors are involved in funding and carrying out public health functions. These include professional associations such as ASTHO and NACCHO, foundations, philanthropies, businesses, community-based and voluntary organizations, hospitals and health care systems, and schools.
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