Legal Definitions - public health

Definition: Public health refers to the health of the community as a whole. It involves maintaining the health and well-being of the general population through preventive medicine and organized care for the sick.

For example, a city's public health department is responsible for ensuring that the community is healthy and safe. This may involve monitoring and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, promoting healthy behaviors such as exercise and healthy eating, and providing access to healthcare services for those in need.

Another example of public health in action is the Department of Health and Human Services, which administers federal laws related to health. This agency works to improve the health of all Americans by providing access to healthcare services, promoting healthy behaviors, and conducting research to better understand and prevent diseases.