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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

An Introduction to the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health agency of the United States. It is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC's mission is to protect the public's health by providing credible health information, conducting scientific research, and promoting disease prevention and control.

History of the CDC

The CDC's origins date back to 1857, when the U.S. Marine Hospital Service was established to provide medical care to merchant seamen. In 1946, the agency was renamed the Communicable Disease Center, and its mission was expanded to include the prevention and control of communicable diseases. In 1970, the agency's name was changed to the Centers for Disease Control, and its mission was further expanded to include the prevention and control of chronic diseases and injuries.

CDC's Mission and Goals

The CDC's mission is to protect the public's health. To achieve this mission, the CDC has four main goals:

  • Promote health and well-being
  • Prevent and control disease and injury
  • Provide leadership and support for public health programs
  • Foster collaboration and innovation in public health

CDC's Funding and Organization

The CDC is funded by the U.S. Congress. The agency is organized into four main centers, which are responsible for different areas of public health:

  • The National Center for Health Statistics
  • The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
  • The National Center for Infectious Diseases
  • The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

CDC's Role in Public Health

The CDC plays a critical role in protecting the public's health. The agency provides credible health information, conducts scientific research, and promotes disease prevention and control. The CDC's work has helped to reduce the incidence of many diseases, including smallpox, polio, and measles. The agency has also been instrumental in developing new vaccines and treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and influenza.


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