- American Public Health Association
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Public Health Institute
- Public Health Foundation
- Orphanet
Whether you work in public health or plan to study it in school, you may be looking for great websites about public health that can provide you with quality information. Fortunately, there are dozens of websites run by federal and local governments, nonprofit organizations and others that are specifically designed to increase public awareness on public health issues. Here are five good places to start.
1. American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association or APHA was established in 1872, making it one of the oldest organizations in the country to advocate for public health. Created alongside scientific advances in healthcare, the APHA, via its public health website, provides consumers with information based on current science and research. This organization champions policies that bring public health to the forefront. Some of their initiatives include ensuring access to clean air and water, making it easier and quicker to vaccinate the public, making sure that women and children receive viable health services, and promoting affordable health care.
2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
The website for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides consumers with links to the latest research on health care topics in a variety of formats, including infographics, data and fact sheets, full reports, surveys and state snapshots. Run by the federal government, the AHRQ funds research into how to improve health care. It also develops tools, research materials, data and other products to help health care professionals improve their practice and the delivery of care for patients. According to this public health website, the AHRQ is the “lead Federal agency charged with improving the safety and quality of America’s health care system.”
3. Public Health Institute
Ranked as one of the top 50 nonprofits to work for by the Nonprofit Times, Public Health Institute is committed to advancing policy on behalf of public health. The website offers a bevy of resources for patients, consumer advocates and health care policymakers. Topics include disability issues, alcohol and tobacco use, global health and chronic disease prevention, among others. The site also hosts videos and articles on various health care topics, inviting people interested in strengthening public health to join in the discussion on how to improve access.
4. Public Health Foundation
Based out of Washington, D.C., the Public Health Foundation works to improve public health access by bolstering the practice of public health itself. The organization’s focus areas include performance management, quality improvement in public health, and workforce development. Those who want to work in public health could use this website on public health to learn more about specific practices, further their personal and professional development via various training offerings, and access research and news on public health issues.
5. Orphanet
Rare diseases don’t often get the same spotlight that more common forms of diseases benefit from in terms of funding and education. Orphanet, which seeks to provide information on rare diseases, offers a unique approach among public health websites with one devoted to research on rare medical conditions. The organization was founded over 20 years ago in France but has since grown to comprise 40 countries around the world, primarily in Europe. Consumers and public health officials can learn more about rare diseases, find information about patient organizations and expert centers, and access a directory of professionals who specialize in different diseases.
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Public health spans a broad range of topics, from disease prevention to improving community health outcomes. These five great public health websites offer a strong starting point if you’re looking for quality information, in-depth research and patient advocacy programs.