What is Public Health?

We are only as healthy as the world we live in

Public health is, first and foremost, about health. A person’s health is determined in part by personal choices and genetics, but also by the environment in which they live, by the many factors that make them healthier or threaten their health. Public health investigates the ecology of health – from social networks and economic circumstances to our environment – and then minimizes health risks.

Public health…

improves the conditions and behaviors that affect the health of each and every one of us,

battles against deadly contagious diseases and for healthier lifestyles,

seeks to reduce incidences of preventable diseases,

minimizes the consequences of catastrophic events and

provides the basics of sanitation, safe food and water

Globalization of health links us all

We live in an interconnected world. We must continue to globalize our public health curriculum to foster cultural humility and prepare our graduates with a deeper understanding of the connection between international and local public health issues.

Public health is moral and smart

Public health efforts allow us to save lives – your life, the lives of your family and friends, and the lives of people around the world. And, if we can save lives, we should. We’ll not only make people healthier, but we’ll also address soaring healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary death and disease.

Investing in public health helps everyone [and the failure to invest puts us all at risk]

The budget shortfall and lack of well-trained public health professionals exposes world to increased risk from threats like mutating infectious diseases, potential bioterrorist attacks, natural disasters and preventable diseases. We need to support our public health infrastructure, including the schools of public health that prepare thousands of professionals every year.

Information on this page was provided by ASPPH.org