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Public Health Service

United States agency
Also known as: PHS

Quick Summary

The Public Health Service (PHS) is a U.S. agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its primary mission is to protect and promote the health of Americans. The PHS encompasses various agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which focuses on preventing and controlling disease and promoting health education.1

Historically, public health efforts evolved from ancient practices like quarantine to address sanitation and disease control, particularly during periods of rapid population growth and industrialization. In the United States, public health administration operates at local, state, and federal levels, with the federal PHS playing a key role in improving services, controlling interstate health hazards, and supporting medical research. The CDC, founded in 1946, has become a leading center for epidemiology, working to combat infectious diseases and promote public health.231

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