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

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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

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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.

Opinion: Why a Healthy Heart Matters at Any Age

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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

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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.

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

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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.

Public Health Nurses: Heroes for Health

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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

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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.

Enhancing Public Health Interoperability for the Joint Force

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Army Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Hall teaches a class

Members of Army Public Health Command Europe strengthened their partnership with sister services in a U.S. Air Force led Public Health Emergency Management training exercise held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Holds Town Hall in Advance of DHA Transition

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The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center held a town hall meeting on Oct. 12 at their Portsmouth, Virginia, headquarters, in advance of their transition to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Public Health directorate.

NAMI Recompression Chamber Supports Area Training Missions, Operations

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Mpox Declared Public Health Emergency: What Airmen and Guardians Need to Know

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The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency on July 23. With more than 4,000 cases in the United States, Airmen and Guardians should know the risks and how to stay safe.

Four-legged Major Brings Joy to Brooke Army Medical Center

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Brooke Army Medical Center commissioned a new, four-legged staff member with a penchant for spreading joy to the rank of United States Army major during a ceremony June 6.

Food Safety Month: Commissaries Join Other Agencies in Highlighting Foodborne Illness Prevention

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FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. Crystal Vice, a veterinary food inspection specialist with Public Health Activity Fort Carson, checks the expiration date on a peanut butter container Oct. 13, 2020, at the Fort Carson Commissary. Food inspectors randomly check food and other items before they’re put on the shelves for sale. (Photo by Eric E. Parris)

During Food Safety Education Month in September, DeCA joins the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service, the Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations in reinforcing foodborne illness awareness and prevention.

Public Health Prevents Disease in Pods

Article Around MHS
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Spencer Carrier, 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapist, stands in Pod one at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sep. 4, 2021. Carrier spends his time outside of work with his church to prepare food for evacuees and their families and also collects donations to pay for clothes, diapers and toys to donate to evacuees in support of Operation Allies Refuge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jared Lovett)

As part of Operation Allies Refuge, the Public Health team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is continuously out in the evacuee camps sharing tips and enforcing regulations to keep Airmen, volunteers and evacuees healthy. By encouraging everyone to wash hands often and wear masks and gloves when appropriate, Public Health works to mitigate the spread of disease and prevent illness.

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Last Updated: March 02, 2023
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