What Is Public Health?
February 28, 2025
Public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities through education, disease prevention, and policies that promote well-being. Unlike healthcare, which treats individuals after they become sick, public health works to prevent illness and create healthier environments for everyone.
Public health efforts include:
- Preventing the spread of diseases through vaccinations and health screenings
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition, physical activity, and wellness programs
- Ensuring clean air, water, and food safety
- Preparing for and responding to public health emergencies
The 10 Essential Public Health Services
Public health professionals follow these 10 Essential Public Health Services to protect and improve community health:
- Assess health needs by collecting and analyzing data
- Investigate and respond to health problems and hazards
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate the public
- Strengthen community partnerships to improve health outcomes
- Develop policies and plans that support public health efforts
- Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and safety
- Ensure access to quality healthcare and services
- Maintain a diverse and skilled public health workforce
- Improve programs through research and innovation
- Build a strong organizational foundation to support public health work
Public health is all around us - in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the communities we live in. Our health department is committed to promoting and protecting the well-being of our communities through these essential services.