Public Health Infrastructure

Goal: Make sure public health agencies at all levels have the necessary infrastructure for key public health services.

A woman in a white lab coat uses a microscope while a man in a lab coat uses a computer touchscreen.

Public health infrastructure provides the necessary foundation for all public health services—from vaccinations to chronic disease prevention programs to emergency preparedness efforts. Healthy People 2030 focuses on creating a strong public health infrastructure. The Public Health Infrastructure objectives address high-performing health departments, workforce development and training, data and information systems, planning, and partnerships.

A strong public health infrastructure includes a capable and qualified workforce, up-to-date data and information systems, and agencies that can assess and respond to public health needs. While a strong infrastructure depends on many organizations working together, public health departments play a central role in the nation’s public health system. Federal agencies rely on a solid public health infrastructure in state, tribal, local, and territorial jurisdictions.