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What is Public Health?

Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County

The mission of public health is to "fulfill society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy."1

Public health carries out its mission through organized, interdisciplinary efforts that address the physical, mental and environmental health concerns of communities and populations at risk for disease and injury. Its mission is achieved through the application of health promotion and disease prevention technologies and interventions designed to improve and enhance quality of life.

Health promotion and disease prevention technologies encompass a broad array of functions and expertise, including the three core public health functions:

  • Assessment and monitoring of the health of communities and populations at risk to identify health problems and priorities.

  • Formulating public policies, in collaboration with community and government leaders, designed to solve identified local and national health problems and priorities.

  • Assuring that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention services, and evaluation of the effectiveness of that care.

1(Institute of Medicine, Committee for the Study of the Future of Public Health, Division of Health Care Services. 1988. The Future of Public Health. National Academy Press, Washington, DC)