Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen

U.S. Army public health organization

The Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen (DCPH-A) is a key component of the United States Army's public health system. It is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health of military personnel and their families.

History

The Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen was originally established as the Army Industrial Hygiene Laboratory in 1942. Over the years, it evolved to meet the changing needs of the military, eventually becoming the U.S. Army Public Health Center (USAPHC). In 2022, it was rebranded as the Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen to better reflect its expanded mission and integration with the broader Department of Defense public health efforts.

Mission

The mission of the DCPH-A is to promote health and prevent disease, injury, and disability in soldiers, veterans, and their families. This is achieved through a combination of surveillance, education, and research activities aimed at identifying and mitigating health risks.

Functions

The DCPH-A provides a wide range of services, including:

• Health Surveillance: Monitoring the health of military personnel to detect and respond to potential health threats.
• Environmental Health: Assessing and mitigating environmental risks that could impact the health of soldiers and their families.
• Occupational Health: Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for military personnel.
• Health Promotion and Wellness: Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to improve overall well-being.
• Toxicology: Conducting research and assessments on the effects of chemical exposures.

Organization

The DCPH-A is organized into several directorates, each focusing on different aspects of public health. These include the Directorate of Health Promotion and Wellness, the Directorate of Occupational and Environmental Health, and the Directorate of Laboratory Sciences.

Army Public Health Center logo

Research and Development

The DCPH-A is involved in cutting-edge research to address emerging public health challenges. This includes studies on infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and the development of new health surveillance technologies.

Collaboration

The DCPH-A collaborates with other military and civilian public health organizations to enhance its capabilities and share knowledge. This includes partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and various academic institutions.

Facilities

The DCPH-A is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to support its research and public health missions. These facilities are staffed by a team of experts in various fields of public health.

USAPHC Toxicology Laboratory

Related pages

• United States Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization