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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 System 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.

Explore our Defense Centers for Public Health:

We recognize that navigating our various Centers provides an inconsistent user experience as they are not yet unified under a single digital roof (health.mil). We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transformation. Our commitment to enhancing Defense Public Health is steadfast, and we are working diligently to streamline our online presence. Thank you for bearing with us as we strive to improve and adapt to better meet your expectations.

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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Jan 20, 2023

Toxicologists Hold Vital Role in Protecting DOD Workforce

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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.

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Jan 1, 2023

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

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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.

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Jan 1, 2023

MSMR Vol. 30 No. 1 - January 2023

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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 ...

Article Around MHS
Dec 14, 2022

Public Health Nurses: Heroes for Health

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 ...

Article Around MHS
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Big Hearts from Small, Small Places

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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 ...

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MSMR Vol. 29 No. 12 - December 2022

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A monthly publication of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division. This issue of the peer-reviewed journal contains the following articles: Surveillance trends for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens among U.S. Military Health System Beneficiaries, Sept. 27, 2020 – Oct. 2,2021; Establishment of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance within the ...

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MSMR Vol. 29 No. 11 - November 2022

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A monthly publication of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division. This issue of the peer-reviewed journal contains the following articles: Surveillance trends for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens among U.S. Military Health System Beneficiaries, Sept. 27, 2020 – Oct. 2,2021; Establishment of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance within the ...

Video
Oct 4, 2022

Get Your Flu Shot

Military personnel giving the flu shot

Rear Adm. Brandon L. Taylor, Director of DHA Public Health, discusses how vaccines greatly reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." Lets us join Rear Adm. Taylor this year to get informed on how vaccines can minimize the dangers of flu.

Last Updated: January 09, 2024
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