Description and Structure of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was founded in 1946 (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). The CDC is one of the thirteen agencies that operates under the Department of Health and Human Services which is, " the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans " (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). "Today, CDC is globally recognized for conducting research and investigations and for its action oriented approach" (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). Not only does the CDC help promote individual health improvement, but the CDC also monitors and combats threats of terrorism that would affect the health of the American people (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). The CDC was originally located in Atlanta, Georgia and its primary task was to combat malaria. There are four buildings that now house the CDC; they are the Global Communications Center, Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center, and the Environmental Health Laboratory (www.cdc.gov, n.d.).
Agency Functions of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
According to the CDC website the, "CDC is committed to achieving true improvements in people's health" (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). One of the ways that the CDC strives to achieve these improvements is by "defining specific health impact goals" (www.cdc.gov, n.d.). These goals include the identification, detection, and prevention of things such as, "emerging infectious diseases (SARS, monkeypox, pandemic influenza), terrorism, environmental threats (hurricanes, wildfires, toxic chemical spills), aging population, [and] lifestyle choices (tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical
References: CDC WONDER. 2006. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from http://wonder.cdc.gov/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from www.cdc.gov Heekin Animal Hospital. 2004. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from www.heekinanimalhospital.com Immunization & Vaccination: Cost-Effective Disease Prevention. 2006. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from www.immunization-and-vaccinations.com National Prevention Information Network. n.d. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from www.cdcnpin.gov Texas Department of State Health Services. 2006. Retrieved July 3, 2006 from www.dshs.state.tx.us Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 2006. Retrieved on July 3, 2006 from www.hhsc.state.tx.us