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Your health is our mission
Did you know Americans live an average of 35 years longer today than they did when APHA was founded over 150 years ago? This incredible progress is thanks to public health efforts improving the well-being of communities across the nation and around the world.
Public health isn’t just for a single person—it’s for you, your friends, your family and everyone in your community. Public health affects how we all live, work, and play— it’s an invisible force that protects our safety and well-being.
Public health continues to prioritize health at every level, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Recent efforts have led to the eradication of various diseases in regions across the globe, the expansion of vaccination programs to protect children and older adults, and the securing of funding for foundational public health services to address urgent needs like reproductive care, behavioral health and climate resilience.
Public health starts with
You
Supporting mental health in your community
Volunteer for a local mental health organization. Attend events, such as walks and fundraisers, that support the mental health movement. If you or someone you know needs mental health services, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. You can also call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Getting to know your neighbors
Having a strong community is one of the strongest indicators for health aging. Social cohesion means building strong connections with the people around you, which strengthens your community’s well-being. Consider offering a helping hand to your neighbors, like running errands for someone without transportation
or sharing extra garden produce.
Communities/Neighborhoods
Making healthy food accessible to all
Bringing farmers markets, mobile markets and community-supported agriculture programs to underserved areas increases access to healthy, affordable food. These programs support local farmers and make fresh produce more available to low-income communities. Hosting farmers markets or mobile markets in local
spaces also helps build community connections while promoting healthier eating.
Building accessible parks and community gathering spaces
Parks and green spaces foster healthy communities by offering safe, inclusive environments for people of all ages and abilities to connect, stay active, and support their mental and physical well-being. Creating more accessible parks ensures that everyone can enjoy these benefits, promoting both individual health and community well-being.
City/State
Preparing residents for emergencies and crises
There is a need to build stronger emergency preparedness systems to help communities respond to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other crises. This includes providing residents with essential resources, education and training so they can stay safe and protect their families during emergencies.
Expanding access to reproductive health services
City and state governments can support community well-being by funding clinics that offer family planning, STI testing, counseling, and safe, legal abortion services. Making these services accessible and affordable ensures that everyone can get the care they need.
Nation
Building a stronger, more inclusive public health system
Creating a fair and sustainable public health system requires everyone’s participation. This includes public health workers, health care providers, community organizers, faith-based groups, businesses, schools, government and more. By collaborating with non-traditional partners, we can create a more inclusive and effective public health system that benefits everyone.
Investing in the public health workforce
We can strengthen the public health workforce by providing more training and support for public health professionals. This investment ensures that workers have the skills and resources to respond to current and future health challenges.