Publication Date: December 4, 2024
Last updated: December 16, 2024

This resource provides an overview of public health, including what it is and its core goals, services, interventions, and disciplines. It also outlines potential career opportunities in public health and explores the roles of various stakeholders in public health, including governments, healthcare systems, and non-governmental organizations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about public health.

1. What is public health?

Public health is a science-based field of study and practice that focuses on protecting and improving the health of all people in all communities. Public health professionals and organizations aim to create conditions in which all people can be healthy by preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring access to essential health services. Public health requires a collaborative effort between international, federal, state, and local agencies, the healthcare system, non-governmental organizations, private-sector companies, and communities to address infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, environmental hazards, and social and other determinants of health.

2. How does public health differ from health care?

While public health and healthcare are interconnected, they have distinct focuses. Public health emphasizes the health of entire populations, prioritizing prevention, health promotion, and addressing the root causes of disease. This involves activities like monitoring health trends, implementing health interventions, and advocating for policies that promote health. Healthcare, on the other hand, focuses on the individual patient, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and providing clinical care.

Imagine a river flowing through a city. Now imagine that people are falling into the river.

Healthcare is like pulling people out of the river, one by one. It focuses on treating the immediate problem. Healthcare professionals would examine each individual who has fallen into the river to diagnose an illness or injury and then provide treatment for it.
Public health is like building a fence along the riverbank and putting guardrails on the pedestrian bridges along the river to prevent people from falling in. It focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues. Public health professionals would survey everyone who fell into the river and visually inspect different areas along the river to identify where people are falling in and why. They would then develop an intervention to address the issue and prevent it from happening again.

3. What are common public health goals?

The mission of public health is to create and promote policies, systems, and conditions that enable all people in all communities to be healthy. Many national and international public health agencies and organizations regularly conduct assessments to identify key health priorities. They then consult experts to build consensus on priority goals and objectives and how best to measure them. These goals are always specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). The two most prominent sets of goals and objectives are the United States (US) Healthy People Objectives and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

US Healthy People Objectives

Healthy People is a US government-led initiative that aims to improve the health of all Americans. Healthy People sets goals and targets for addressing the nation’s most pressing health issues every ten years. The first Healthy People initiative, Healthy People 1990, was launched in 1980 in response to a landmark 1979 report by Surgeon General Julius Richmond entitled, "Healthy People: The Surgeon General's Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention." Subsequent iterations of Healthy People have continued to build on this foundation:

Healthy People 1990: Focused on reducing deaths and increasing independence among older adults.
Healthy People 2000: Expanded the focus to include a broader range of health issues, such as access to health care, substance abuse, and violence.
Healthy People 2010: Emphasized health equity, preventing injuries, and reducing health disparities.
Healthy People 2020: Focused on achieving high-quality, longer lives, eliminating health disparities, creating healthy environments, and promoting healthy behaviors.
Healthy People 2030: Focuses on achieving healthy, thriving lives, eliminating health disparities, creating healthy environments, and promoting healthy development, behaviors, and well-being.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015. The SDGs build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of eight international development goals established in 2000 to address poverty, health, and basic human needs. The SDGs, however, recognize that ending poverty requires strategies that address social needs and build economic growth while tackling climate change and environmental degradation. The SDGs are designed to be universally applicable to all countries, regardless of their level of development.

4. What are common public health services?

Ten essential services create the foundation of the US public health system. These services were identified by a federal working group in 1994 to provide a blueprint for carrying out the mission of public health in communities nationwide. The 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) framework centers around the three core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance. The framework was updated in 2020 by the Public Health National Center for Innovations (PHNCI), the de Beaumont Foundation, and a task force of public health experts to center equity, better reflect the current public health landscape, and align with emerging public health practice needs. The ten essential public health services include:

Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets.
Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population.
Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it.
Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health.
Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that impact health.
Utilize legal and regulatory actions designed to improve and protect the public’s health.
Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy.
Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce.
Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health.

5. What are common public health interventions?

Public health interventions are the specific strategies and actions designed to carry out the public health mission and improve health for all. Public health interventions are typically developed in response to a particular health or social issue, such as an infectious disease outbreak or high rates of a chronic disease in a specific population or location. Public health interventions can be categorized into one of three levels of prevention.

Primary Prevention: Aims to stop disease or injury before it even starts. Key examples include immunization programs to shield individuals from infectious diseases, education campaigns that promote healthy behaviors like practicing safer sex or quitting smoking, and legislation that regulates hazardous substances and improves workplace safety.
Secondary Prevention: Focuses on catching a disease or injury early (early detection) and treating it before it gets worse. Key examples include regular screenings for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders, as well as early intervention programs for substance abuse.
Tertiary Prevention: Involves managing existing diseases or injuries to improve quality of life and prevent further complications. Key examples include rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities and chronic disease management programs to help people with conditions like diabetes or heart disease live healthier lives.

In some public health interventions, public health professionals conduct outreach and provide health promotion and disease prevention services directly to a community, family, or individual. In other interventions, public health professionals use advocacy, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to persuade and support third parties, such as policymakers or healthcare providers, to carry out strategies and actions to improve the health of their communities. Common types of public health interventions include:

Disease and injury prevention and control interventions that reduce the burden of illness, injury, and premature death. Key examples include outreach, data collection, surveillance, vaccination, vector control, sanitation, health screenings, and contact tracing.
Health services delivery interventions that provide access to essential healthcare and social services. Key examples include preventive care, primary care, behavioral health care, and housing and food assistance.
Health communication and health promotion interventions that educate people about healthy behaviors and provide support for making healthy choices. Key examples include social marketing campaigns and health education programs.
Health policy interventions that create and compel compliance with laws and regulations that promote health and prevent disease. Key examples include the Affordable Care Act, Clean Air Act, state vaccination requirements, food safety training mandates, and noise ordinances.

See more about public health achievements in the US from 1900-1991, public health achievements in the US from 2001-2010, and global public health milestones throughout the years.

6. What are the core disciplines of public health?

The core disciplines of public health are the skills and knowledge areas that are considered essential and required for all public health professionals. They are the foundational pillars of public health education and practice in the US. The core key disciplines of public health include:

Epidemiology: This field focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Epidemiologists investigate the causes, patterns, and control of disease outbreaks.
Biostatistics: This field involves the application of statistical methods to analyze health data. Biostatisticians use these methods to make informed decisions about public health interventions.
Environmental Health: This field is concerned with the impact of environmental factors on human health. Environmental health scientists and specialists work to protect the public from environmental hazards such as pollution, contaminated water, and unsafe food.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: This field focuses on understanding how social factors like culture, socioeconomic status, and behaviors influence health outcomes. Social and behavioral scientists research and implement interventions to address health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and improve health communication.
Health Policy and Management: This field involves developing, implementing, and evaluating health policies and programs. Health policy analysts and managers work to ensure that healthcare services are accessible, affordable, and effective.

All accredited undergraduate and graduate public health programs incorporate the key disciplines into their core curriculum. Additionally, public health curricula typically include the core competencies of public health professionals. Students studying public health are expected to gain skills in the following domains:

Data Analytics and Assessment: Using data to understand community health needs and inform decision-making.
Policy Development and Program Planning: Developing and implementing effective public health policies and programs.
Communication: Effectively communicating health information and building trust with communities.
Health Equity: Addressing health disparities and promoting equity in health outcomes.
Community Partnerships: Collaborating with community partners to improve health.
Public Health Sciences: Applying scientific knowledge to address public health challenges.
Management and Finance: Managing resources and ensuring organizational sustainability.
Leadership and Systems Thinking: Leading and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to improve population health.

Learn more about the different areas of study in public health, undergraduate programs in public health, and graduate programs in public health.

7. What are common public health jobs and salaries?

Public health is a diverse field with many career opportunities.

Common public health employers

A recent study found that students who graduated with an undergraduate public health degree find employment in for-profit organizations (34%), health care organizations (28%), nonprofit organizations (11%), academic organizations (10%), and government agencies (10%).

For-profit organizations

Biotechnology, health technology, medical device, and pharmaceutical companies: Hire public health professionals to leverage their content and technical expertise in health policy analysis, research methods, and strategic planning to design and deliver effective products and services. Examples: Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Merck, Pfizer, Roche.
Consulting companies: Hire public health professionals to leverage their content and technical expertise in public health surveillance, research methods, health policy analysis, intervention design and evaluation, and health communication and education to deliver consulting services to their healthcare, government, and non-profit clients. Examples: Accenture, Deloitte, ICF, McKinsey & Company.
Health insurance companies: Hire public health professionals to leverage their content and technical expertise in health policy analysis, population health management, health education and outreach, and monitoring and evaluation to improve the health of their members and reduce healthcare costs. Examples: Centene Corporation, Elevance Health, Humana.

Healthcare organizations

Clinics, hospitals, and health systems: Hire public health professionals to leverage their content and technical expertise in health education and outreach, disease prevention and control, chronic disease management, health equity, monitoring and evaluation, and health administration to enhance their ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care and services to patients and communities. Examples: Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic.

Nonprofit organizations

Accreditation and standards organizations: Hire public health professionals to leverage their content and technical expertise in evaluation, health education, and health policy analysis to develop standards and guidelines, conduct site visits, assess fidelity, and provide technical assistance for their member organizations. Examples: Association of Public Health Laboratories, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Public Health Accreditation Board.
Advocacy organizations: Hire public health professionals for their content and technical expertise in health policy analysis and health education and outreach to advocate for policy changes supporting public health. Examples: American Public Health Association, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Association of County and City Health Officials.
Community-based organizations: Hire public health professionals for their content and technical expertise in community health assessment, health education and promotion, and program planning, implementation, and evaluation to address specific health needs within their communities. Examples: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Catholic Charities USA, Feeding America, Goodwill Industries International, Habitat for Humanity.
Philanthropic funders: Hire public health professionals for their content and technical expertise in program planning, implementation, and evaluation to assess grant proposals, identify potential grantees, and monitor the impact of funded projects to ensure impactful investments. Examples: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, De Beaumont Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Academic organizations

Schools and programs of public health: Hire public health professionals for their content and technical expertise in the core competencies of public health to teach public health students and conduct research on public health issues. Examples: Johns Hopkins University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emory University, Harvard University.

Government agencies

International, federal, state, and local health agencies and departments: International, federal, state, and local health agencies and departments hire public health professionals for their content and technical expertise in the core competencies of public health to oversee or provide public health services and design, implement, or evaluate public health interventions for populations and communities. Examples: World Health Organization, US Department of Health and Human Services, New York State Department of Health.

Common public health job positions

Common public health job positions include:

Health administration and management positions: Health administrators, program managers, program analysts, program coordinators
Health and safety positions: Sanitarians, public health engineers, public health technicians, occupational safety and health specialists, hazard control specialists, environmental health inspectors
Health education and communication positions: Social marketers, health educators, medical writers, health communication specialists, science communicators, outreach specialists
Health policy and planning positions: Attorneys, lawyers, policy experts, health policy researchers, health policy analysts
Health sciences and research positions: Epidemiologists, biostatisticians, environmental health scientists, public health researchers, social scientists, laboratory scientists, microbiologists, research assistants, principal investigators
Healthcare and allied health positions: Physicians, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists, technicians/assistants, therapists/technologists, community health workers, health and fitness coaches

Learn more about top public health careers, duties, and salary ranges.

Common public health job salaries

Entry-level jobs

Entry-level positions in public health typically require at least a high school diploma and relevant certifications and trainings, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field. They often involve assisting more senior staff, conducting research, or providing direct services. Entry-level public health job positions may include the following words: coordinator, assistant, specialist, technician, or analyst. The average pay for an entry-level public health job position in the US is $24 an hour or $49,763 per year. The salary for these jobs ranges from $21,000-$92,500 and varies greatly based on the specific role, the organization, and the location. A recent study found that the median first-year earnings of students who graduated with an undergraduate public health degree were $34,000.

Mid-level jobs

Mid-level positions in public health often require a master's degree in public health or a related field and several years of experience. They involve managing programs, supervising staff, and conducting research. Mid-level public health job positions may include the following words: analyst, manager, officer, lead, or senior. The average pay for a job requiring a Master of Public Health (MPH) in the US is $58 an hour or $120,688 per year. The salary for these jobs ranges from $25,500-$169,500 and varies greatly based on the specific role, the organization, and the location.

Senior-level jobs

Senior-level positions in public health typically require a doctoral degree or extensive experience in the field. They involve leadership roles, strategic planning, and high-level decision-making. Senior-level public health job positions may include the following words: senior, director, administrator, principal, executive, or chief. The salary for these jobs typically falls in the six-figure range, but not always. Salaries vary greatly based on the specific role, the organization, and the location. For example, the average annual pay for a public health director in the US is $121,590; for a health policy director is $120,838; and for a chief health information officer is $148,746. However, the average annual pay for a public health administrator in the US is $96,205.

Learn more about the highest-paying public health careers, degree requirements, and salary ranges.

8. What is the government’s role in public health?

Governments play a crucial role in safeguarding public health at various levels, from the international to the state and local levels. Governments set health policies, fund health-related programs, and ensure access to essential health services.

International governments

International public health agencies are crucial in working with governments worldwide to coordinate international health efforts, address global health challenges, and promote health equity. International governments often work together to address global health issues via international health agencies, including the following:

World Health Organization (WHO): A leading international health agency that is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for directing and coordinating international responses to health emergencies, such as pandemics. WHO works closely with governments, international organizations, and civil society organizations to monitor global health trends and set global health standards. WHO also provides technical assistance to support countries in strengthening their health systems and implementing effective public health interventions. WHO is a vital resource for promoting global health and improving the lives of people worldwide, including people in the US.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): The world's oldest international public health agency that works to improve the health of people in the Americas. PAHO supports technical cooperation between the US and its other member countries and works closely with governments, international organizations, and civil society organizations to fight communicable and noncommunicable diseases, strengthen health systems, respond to emergencies and disasters, and promote the inclusion of health in public policies. PAHO is also a regional office of WHO.

US federal government

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the primary US government department in charge of protecting the health of all Americans. With each US presidential election, the President chooses a Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to sit in the US Cabinet and oversee HHS. The President also appoints an Assistant Secretary for Health to oversee the US Public Health Service (a division of HHS). The President also appoints a Surgeon General. The Surgeon General acts as an adviser to the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary.

HHS has 13 operating divisions (ten US Public Health Service agencies and three human services agencies). These agencies work together to achieve their shared goal of improving public health. They often coordinate efforts, share resources, and collaborate on joint initiatives. They also work with state and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and for-profit companies to form a robust public health system. HHS agencies provide funding, technical assistance, and guidance to state and local health departments, enabling them to implement effective public health programs at the community level. Additionally, HHS agencies partner with NGOs and for-profit companies to leverage their expertise, resources, and community connections to address public health challenges. The 13 operating divisions of HHS include:

Administration for Children and Families (ACF): Works to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.
Administration for Community Living (ACL): Promotes the independence and well-being of older Americans and people with disabilities.
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H): Created in March 2022 to support transformative research to drive biomedical and health breakthroughs.
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR): Made into an operating division in July 2022 to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Improves the quality, safety, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): An agency within the CDC that responds to and protects people from harmful chemical exposures.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Protects the health of Americans and provides essential human services.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Regulates food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): Improves health outcomes for underserved populations.
Indian Health Service (IHS): Provides health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Conducts and supports biomedical research.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides leadership, services, and support for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Other US Cabinet departments are also involved with protecting public health, including, but not limited to:

Department of Agriculture (USDA): Regulates food safety, sets nutrition standards, and administers nutrition assistance programs.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Within the Department of Defense, FEMA coordinates disaster relief and emergency preparedness.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Within the Department of the Interior, FWS monitors wildlife for zoonotic diseases, protects water and food safety via regulatory action and natural habitat conservation, and provides injury prevention education.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Within the Department of Commerce, NOAA (which includes the National Weather Service) provides weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, climate monitoring, and other services that support economic vitality.
National Park Service (NPS): Within the Department of the Interior, NPS protects air and water quality within national parks via regulatory action and natural habitat conservation and provides injury prevention education for park visitors.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Within the Department of Labor (DOL), OSHA enforces workplace safety and health regulations.

There are also several independent and semi-independent federal government agencies (outside of the US Cabinet) that protect public health, including, but not limited to:

Department of Transportation (DOT): Sets safety standards for transportation.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Provides health care services to veterans.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Protects human health and the environment.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Regulates civil aviation.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Regulates interstate and international communications.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Enforces federal antitrust laws and protects consumers from unfair business practices.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Regulates civilian use of nuclear materials and facilities.

Federal government agencies and departments can play a critical role in shaping and implementing public health laws in the US. Many of them conduct research, support scientific innovation, and monitor data trends to identify and address emerging public health threats. Then, they develop policy proposals and recommendations for new laws and work closely with congressional committees to advocate for legislation that aligns with their public health goals. They may provide technical expertise, testify at hearings, and negotiate with lawmakers to shape the final legislation. Once laws are passed, federal agencies and departments implement them by developing regulations, guidelines, and standards. They may also provide funding and technical assistance to state, city, and local governments to support implementation efforts.

US state, county, and city governments

US state and local governments form the backbone of the nation's public health system. State health departments (SHDs) are typically staffed by state government employees who oversee a broad range of public health activities, including disease control, environmental health, and health promotion. SHDs often collaborate with local health departments (LHDs) to implement programs tailored to specific community needs. LHDs are typically staffed by city or county government employees and are on the front lines of public health, providing essential services such as immunizations, health screenings, and disease surveillance. LHDs also play a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies like outbreaks and natural disasters.

The US has 50 state and territorial health departments and approximately 2,800 county and city health departments. Most SHDs and LHDs receive funding from HHS agencies via block grants (funds that the SHDs and LHDs can then allocate to their programs as they see fit) or categorical grants (funds designated for specific programs). They may also report data to federal government agencies if mandated by Congress or required as a part of receiving funding.

Each state and territory in the US also has a system of public health laboratories (PHLs) that perform laboratory services for the jurisdiction. These PHLs collaborate with local, state, federal, and international health agencies to monitor for new and recurring infectious diseases, detect epidemics and pandemics, test environmental and agricultural samples, screen newborns for life-threatening conditions, and respond to manmade and natural disasters. PHLs generate data that health agencies use to make policy decisions, evaluate programs, and assess community health.

Outside of health departments and public health laboratories, there are other state, county, and city government agencies and departments that contribute to public health, including:

Agriculture and food safety agencies and departments: Ensure food safety by regulating food production, processing, and distribution.
Animal control agencies and departments: Monitor and control animal populations, preventing and responding to zoonotic disease outbreaks and animal sightings and attacks.
Emergency preparedness and management agencies and departments: Develop emergency plans, conduct emergency drills, and coordinate emergency and disaster response, recovery, and mitigation.
Environmental and wildlife protection agencies and departments: Regulate air and water quality, manage waste disposal, and oversee hazardous materials.
Housing and community development agencies: Provide safe, affordable housing and promote healthy living environments.
Human services agencies and departments: Sometimes located within the health department, they administer Medicaid, financial and nutrition assistance programs, child and adult protective services, and disability services.
Transportation agencies and departments: Ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation systems.

State, county, and city government agencies and departments also play a crucial role in both implementing federal public health laws and passing public health laws within their jurisdictions. They develop and propose legislation, provide technical expertise, and advocate for public health policies with lawmakers in their jurisdictions. SHDs receive federal funding and guidance to implement federal programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and public health emergency preparedness. They also adapt federal guidelines to state-specific needs and oversee their implementation. LHDs implement federal and state public health programs at the community level.

9. What is the healthcare system's role in public health?

The US healthcare system is a mix of public, private, and non-profit entities that provide healthcare products and services to individuals and communities. They provide care to patients, develop and sell health technology and medical products, and fund and conduct research and development. Several types of entities in the US healthcare system play a crucial role in supporting public health, including clinics, hospitals, health systems, health insurance companies, health technology and medical device companies, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Clinics, hospitals, and health systems

Clinics are healthcare facilities that provide outpatient care. Clinics offer preventive care that focuses on disease screening, primary care that involves routine check-ups and treatment of minor illnesses, and sometimes specialized care that involves services like dental care, mental health counseling, and chronic disease management. Clinics may also provide health education to their patients and conduct outreach in the communities they serve. They can be independent, part of a more extensive healthcare system, or associated with a hospital. Hospitals are healthcare facilities with inpatient care for patients who need to stay overnight and outpatient care for those who don't require overnight care. They provide diagnostic testing, medical treatment, surgery, emergency care, specialized treatments, and rehabilitation services. Health systems are jointly managed or owned networks of at least one hospital and one group of physicians that work together to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. Clinics, hospitals, and health systems are staffed by doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, and other public health and healthcare professionals.

Some of the foremost clinics, hospitals, and health systems in the US include:

Ascension: A private Catholic health system based in St. Louis, MO.
Cleveland Clinic: A non-profit academic medical center based in Cleveland, OH.
Intermountain Healthcare: A non-profit health system based in Salt Lake City, UT.
Kaiser Permanente: A non-profit integrated health system and insurer based in Oakland, CA.
Mayo Clinic: A private academic medical center based in Rochester, MN.

Health insurance companies

Health insurance companies are typically for-profit companies that provide financial protection against medical emergencies, chronic diseases, and accidents. They offer health insurance plans that, in exchange for a monthly premium, will pay a portion of an individual’s or family’s medical costs, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Health insurance companies may offer the following types of plans: health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), exclusive provider organizations (EPOs), high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, or Medicaid Managed Care Plans.

The Affordable Care Act requires health insurance plans to cover preventive services like check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and preventative counseling at no cost to insured individuals or families. Some health insurance plans also incentivize healthy lifestyles by offering free wellness programs, discounts or rebates for gym memberships, and rewards for performing healthy behaviors or achieving health goals.

Some of the foremost health insurance companies in the US include:

Centene Corporation: Primarily offers Medicaid Managed Care Plans and Medicare Advantage plans.
Cigna: Offers HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, HDHPs, and Medicare Advantage plans.
CVS (Aetna): Offers HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, HDHPs, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement plans.
Elevance Health (formerly Anthem Inc.): Offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans.
Humana: Primarily offers Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans.
Kaiser Permanente*: Offers HMO plans.
UnitedHealth Group: Offers HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare Advantage plans.

*Non-profit organization

Health technology and medical device companies

Health technology and medical device companies are typically for-profit companies that develop innovative products and services to diagnose diseases, treat patients, manage patient care, and monitor health outcomes. Health technology companies develop and implement software and digital tools, and medical device companies develop and manufacture medical devices. These companies develop tools and technology that clinics, hospitals, and health systems use to improve and enhance diagnosis, treatment, patient outcomes, patient experience, and healthcare efficiency.

Some of the foremost health technology and medical device companies in the US include:

Abbott: Develops medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional products, and pharmaceuticals.
Allscripts: Develops electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other clinical software applications.
Oracle Health (formerly Cerner): Develops EHR systems and modules, AI applications, and other health information technology services and platforms.
Epic Systems: Develops EHR systems and software modules for patient management, revenue cycle management, and other specific functions.
Johnson & Johnson: Develops medical devices and technology for surgery, orthopedics, vision, interventional solutions, and pharmaceuticals.
McKesson: Develops pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply chain management solutions, technology solutions, and healthcare information and software solutions.
Medtronic: Develops medical devices for cardiovascular, neurological, spinal, and other medical conditions.
Stryker: Develops orthopedic implants, medical and surgical equipment, and neurotechnology products.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are businesses that discover, develop, produce, and market new drugs, therapies, and treatments for diseases. They often collaborate with academic institutions, health agencies, and other organizations to advance medical research and provide access to essential medications.

Some of the foremost pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the US include:

Amgen: Develops human therapeutics based on advances in cellular and molecular biology.
Biogen: Develops therapies for neurological diseases.
Merck: Develops medicines, vaccines, biological therapies, and animal health products.
Moderna: Develops messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines.
Novartis: Develops medicines and therapies for cancer and cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, immunological, and neurological conditions.
Pfizer: Develops vaccines and medications for various diseases.
Roche: Develop medicines, diagnostics, and digital health solutions.

10. How do non-governmental organizations contribute to public health?

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are typically non-profit organizations that operate independently of any government. NGOs are established to address various issues, including health, health-related social needs, human rights, and environmental conservation. They can be local, national, or international in scope. They can provide direct healthcare services, conduct health education campaigns to promote healthy behaviors, and advocate for policies that improve public health. Additionally, they can conduct research, support community mobilization efforts, respond to public health emergencies, and address social determinants of health.

Several types of NGOs play a crucial role in supporting public health in the US, including accreditation and standards organizations, advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, and philanthropic funders. These organizations rely on donations, volunteers, membership dues, grants, and contracts to fund and support their activities.

Accreditation and standards organizations

Public health accreditation and standards organizations are organizations that set standards and benchmarks to evaluate the quality and performance of public health programs and agencies. They play a key role in ensuring that public health services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and ethically and are responsive to the needs of communities.

Some of the foremost public health accreditation and standards organizations include:

Association of Public Health Laboratories: Supports public health laboratories by providing resources, training, and accreditation services to ensure high-quality laboratory testing.
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health: Accredits schools and programs of public health, ensuring the quality of public health education and training.
Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice: Promotes collaboration between academia and public health practice to develop and implement public health education and training standards.
National Board of Public Health Examiners: Develops and administers certification exams for public health professionals, ensuring competency and professionalism.
Public Health Accreditation Board: Accredits public health departments, ensuring they meet national quality and performance standards.

Advocacy organizations

Health advocacy organizations are organizations that work to improve public health by advocating for policies, raising awareness, and mobilizing communities. They play a key role in shaping healthcare policy, influencing public opinion, and ensuring that the needs of patients and communities are met.

Some of the foremost public health advocacy organizations in the US include:

American Public Health Association: Advocates for public health policies, promoting research, and educating the public.
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials: Represents state and territorial health officials, advocating for robust public health infrastructure and promoting collaboration among states.
National Association of County and City Health Officials: Represents local health departments, supporting their efforts to improve community health and respond to public health emergencies.
Trust for America’s Health: Recommends programs and policies to prioritize the prevention of illness and injury and make health equity foundational to all policymaking.

Community-based organizations

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are non-profit entities that operate within a specific community or geographical area, aiming to address local needs and improve the well-being of its residents. Public health-related CBOs include local food banks and pantries, community health centers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, substance use and mental health support groups, youth and senior centers, community gardens, environmental health groups, and more. CBOs are essential to the US public health system because they work at a grassroots level to address specific health needs within their communities. They provide direct services, support for health-related social needs, health education, and advocacy. They also mobilize communities, collaborate with government agencies, and collect data to address local health needs.

Some of the foremost international and national public health-related CBOs with local chapters, affiliates, or offices in communities throughout the US include:

Alcoholics Anonymous: Offers support for alcohol addiction recovery.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Mentors young people.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Offers youth development programs.
Catholic Charities USA: Provides social services.
Churches, Mosques, and Temples: May provide health and social services.
Environmental Defense Fund: Works to protect the environment and human health.
Feeding America: Provides food assistance.
Goodwill Industries International: Provides job training and placement services.
Habitat for Humanity: Builds affordable housing.
Jewish Family Service: Provides mental health and social services.
March of Dimes: Works to improve the health of mothers and babies.
Meals on Wheels: Delivers meals to homebound seniors.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Provides support and advocacy for mental illness.
Narcotics Anonymous: Offers support for drug addiction recovery.
Planned Parenthood: Offers reproductive health services.
Salvation Army: Provides shelter, food, and other services to those in need.
Sierra Club: Advocates for environmental protection.

Public Health FAQs