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Public Health


Read the Deputy Secretary of Defense's memo on the Implementation of Public Health Reform of the Military Health SystemPH Implementation memo and the DHA taking over responsibility for the operations of the Public Health Centers and public health programs.


Defense Health Agency Public Health supports the Joint Force and the Department of Defense across the globe. Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. DHA PH's work combines and integrates the efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enable a healthy ready Force that includes our military community. It is DHA PH's goal to ensure force health protection to establish common, quality, health practices across the DOD.

Our Vision

Ready Forces, Healthy Families, Strong Partnerships

Our Mission

Advance Joint Force health protection with agile public health Enterprise solutions in support of the National Defense Strategy.

Explore our Defense Centers for Public Health:

Get to know our DHA headquarters divisions:

About Us

As a cutting-edge, world-class public health organization, DHA PH is strategically positioned to meet the needs of the Military Health System, the military Services, and the Combatant Commands, in support of our nation's security.

A diverse array of Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service uniformed and civilian personnel manage a comprehensive portfolio of product lines dedicated to moving from a health care system to a system of health focused on the prevention of disease, disability, and death in garrison and while deployed. DHA PH develops timely, standardized guidance, in collaboration with the Services, to address public health challenges the Joint Forces face. DHA PH increases effectiveness and efficiencies through consolidation and next-generation engineering of functions.

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Lab Professionals Play Key Role in Public Health and Patient Care

Article
5/2/2023
Lab Professionals Play Key Role in Public Health and Patient Care

Lab professionals provide value to the MHS and DHA communities.

Navy Entomology Center of Excellence Arms the Department of Defense’s Experts in the Fight for Public Health

Article Around MHS
4/11/2023
U.S. Air Force Capt. Deanna Scheff (left) receiving pesticide application training from U.S. Air Force Ensign Benfry DeJesus (right) during the largest inter-agency pesticide certification course delivered in nearly five years on Naval Air Station Jacksonville. (Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. Nicholas Johnston)

Navy Entomology Center of Excellence staff trained and equipped active duty preventive medicine and civilian pest control personnel representing U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army during the largest inter-agency pesticide certification course delivered in nearly five years on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 23.

Protecting Health is Naval Hospital Bremerton Industrial Hygienes Mission

Article Around MHS
4/10/2023
In conjunction with National Public Health week, April 3-9, Defense Health Agency commands like Naval Hospital Bremerton continue to provide protective support with a variety of public health specialty services to ensure the health and wellness of all those entrusted in their care. (Infographic by the Defense Health Agency).

In conjunction with National Public Health week, April 3-9, Defense Health Agency commands like Naval Hospital Bremerton continue to provide protective support with a variety of public health specialty services to ensure the health and wellness of all those entrusted in their care.

Defense Public Health Celebrates Opening of New $248 Million Public Health Laboratory

Article Around MHS
4/6/2023
Army Lt. Col. Scott Vial, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen Public Health Laboratory project manager, briefs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, outside of one of two anechoic chambers used for radio frequency experiments in the Public Health Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground South. (Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen photo by Graham Snodgrass)

Dignitaries and distinguished guests gathered at Aberdeen Proving Ground South, formerly known as Edgewood, April 5 to celebrate the opening of the Department of Defense’s new Public Health Laboratory at Building E2850.

Public Health Supports the Warfighter, Military Community Worldwide

Article
4/4/2023
U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Brandon Taylor reflects on his first year as director of Defense Health Agency Public Health. He recently led a town hall discussion on the transformation and reorganization of public health capabilities within the DOD at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Brandon Taylor reflects on his first year as director of Defense Health Agency Public Health.

Letter to the Editor: Military Health System Exceeded Healthy People 2020 Goal for Rotavirus Vaccination

Article
3/1/2023
Logo800x480MSMR

Letter to the Editor commenting on November 2033 (volume 29 issue 11) MSMR Brief Report, "Pediatric Vaccine Completion and Compliance Among Infants Born to Active Duty Service Members, 2006-2016"

Opinion: Why a Healthy Heart Matters at Any Age

Article Around MHS
2/21/2023
National Heart Health Month composite

We often think of heart health as an issue for older people, but heart disease actually affects every age group. Here's some expert advice for developing healthier habits at the earliest age to improve your and your loved ones' odds of better heart health later in life.

Toxicologists Hold Vital Role in Protecting DOD Workforce

Article Around MHS
1/20/2023
Toxicologist working in laboratory

Among the DOD's priorities, protecting warfighters from enemy combatants and weapons is critical. But there are other scenarios, when undetected, that pose threat to the health of our military. Find out why that makes the job of a DOD toxicologists so important.

Public Health Nutritionist Shares Strategies, Resources for Meeting New Year Weight Loss Goals

Article Around MHS
1/12/2023
healthy food infographic

Don't give up on your 2023 resolution to lose weight! We've gathered some unique tips, tools, and strategies to help you stay the course and meet your goals.

MSMR Vol. 30 No. 1 - January 2023

Report
1/1/2023

A monthly publication of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division. This issue of the peer-reviewed journal contains the following articles: Incidence and management of chronic insomnia, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021; Changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and in the incidence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, active component service members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021; Trends in the incidence of eating disorders among active component service members, 2017 to 2021.

Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021

Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021.

Increased Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Incidence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Active Component Service Members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Trends in the incidence of eating disorders among active component service members, 2017 to 2021.

Increased Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Incidence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Active Component Service Members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021.

Trends in the Incidence of Eating Disorders Among Active Component Service Members, 2017 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and in the incidence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, active component service members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021.

Trends in the Incidence of Eating Disorders Among Active Component Service Members, 2017 to 2021.

Public Health Nurses: Heroes for Health

Article Around MHS
12/14/2022
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tracy R. Kraus head shot

In a world where public health is constantly being challenged, the need for front-line contenders in the fight against threats is rapidly increasing. The work of the Public Health Nurse is nothing short of heroic. Learn more about the extraordinary dedication and arduous work it takes for Public Health Nurses to keep the warfighter population healthy and fit to fight and win.

Big Hearts from Small, Small Places

Article Around MHS
12/13/2022
Military personnel demonstrating CPR

Sailors stand in a red and white metal space filled with folded wheelchairs and various medical equipment, each paired with a plastic torso and dummy infant at their feet. All eyes are fixed on the only voice in the room. The voice, carefully but clearly asking questions and giving out instructions, comes from a woman adorned in blue coveralls with her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd class Johana Chi, from a small town in El Salvador, teaches CPR.

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Last Updated: March 02, 2023
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