The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) is a branch of the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1798, the USPHS is one of the nation's oldest and most recognized public health agencies. It consists of commissioned officers who are trained professionals in various health disciplines, including physicians, nurses, scientists, and other healthcare professionals.
The USPHS's primary mission is to protect and promote the public's health through various means. This includes promoting disease prevention, ensuring the quality and safety of medical products and practices, conducting research to improve health outcomes, and responding to public health emergencies and disasters. The USPHS also works to reduce health disparities and improve access to quality healthcare services for underserved populations.
The USPHS operates in various settings, including hospitals, research institutions, public health agencies, and communities across the country. Its commissioned officers are frequently deployed to provide healthcare services and public health interventions during natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. The USPHS also collaborates with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as international partners, to address global health challenges.
The USPHS is governed by a Surgeon General, who is appointed by the President and acts as the chief spokesperson on matters of public health for the federal government. Under the Surgeon General's leadership, the USPHS plays a critical role in advancing the health and well-being of the American people.
