In this topic, you learned that public health consists of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Federal, state, and local health departments have the responsibility of safeguarding public health in the United States. These departments provide healthcare services and help define legislation regarding health and health care. In addition to health departments, government agencies such as the USDA and the FDA were established to protect public health by ensuring the food you eat and medicines you take are safe.

Public health is a major concern, not only for our local and national government, but also for international governments. Organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. National Institute of Health, and the World Health Organization are the forerunners of protecting national and international public health. The work of these organizations has helped promote public health around the world.