Association of Public Health Laboratories

Overview

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is a non-profit organization that represents governmental public health laboratories in the United States and globally. These laboratories are critical components of the public health infrastructure, providing essential services such as disease surveillance, outbreak response, and environmental health monitoring.

History

The APHL was founded in 1951 to support and advocate for public health laboratories. Over the decades, the organization has grown in scope and influence, working closely with federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance the capabilities and capacities of public health laboratories.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the APHL is to promote the role of public health laboratories in protecting the health of the public. The organization aims to:

• Strengthen laboratory systems and networks.
• Advocate for policies that support public health laboratories.
• Provide training and resources to laboratory professionals.
• Foster collaboration and communication among laboratories and public health partners.

Programs and Initiatives

APHL runs several programs and initiatives to support its mission, including:

Infectious Disease

APHL works to enhance the ability of public health laboratories to detect and respond to infectious diseases. This includes support for influenza surveillance, HIV testing, and tuberculosis control.

Environmental Health

The organization supports laboratories in monitoring environmental health threats, such as lead contamination and water quality issues.

Food Safety

APHL collaborates with laboratories to improve food safety testing and outbreak response, working with partners like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Emergency Preparedness

APHL helps laboratories prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, including natural disasters and bioterrorism events.

Membership

APHL's membership includes state and local public health laboratories, as well as international members. The organization provides a platform for members to share knowledge, best practices, and innovations in laboratory science.

Governance

APHL is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. The board sets the strategic direction of the organization and oversees its operations.

Partnerships

APHL collaborates with a variety of partners, including federal agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions, to advance public health laboratory science and practice.

See Also

• Public health laboratory
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Food and Drug Administration