Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health through organized community efforts.
Public health…
· Investigates, controls, and prevents epidemics of disease and injury
· Protects the environment, workplaces, housing, food, and water
· Promotes healthy behaviors
· Assures the quality, accessibility, and accountability of health services
· Reaches out to link the high risk and disadvantaged people to needed services
· Collects data and monitors the health status of the population
· Mobilizes community partnerships to solve health problems
· Leads in the development of sound policy and planning
· Trains and educates public health professionals
· Researches for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems
· Provides public information and education
· Provides medical care when needed
· Provides public health laboratory services
· Responds to disasters
· Enforces laws and regulations that protect and ensure safety