ABSTRACT
Public health in the United States is the “other arm” of healthcare delivery. Public health is primarily focused on the health of the population, on collection and analysis of data on disease and injury patterns and their causes, and on developing and implementing policies and practices that address population health problems. This chapter focuses on the work of designated government agencies that are involved in research, data collection and dissemination, disaster relief and the provision of primary medical services in medically under-served areas and for those who lack access to basic care. At the federal level, public health services are organized within the executive branch of the government, under the auspices and direction of the Department of Health and Human Services. In the United States, the pandemic highlighted the relationship between public health and the acute care health system of hospitals, doctors, nurses, emergency services, pharmacies, nursing homes and other providers of care.
