Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the 20th Century

Public health is credited with adding 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States in this century. Yet, ask the average person what public health is and their reply might be limited to: "healthcare for low-income families." CDC′s Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the 20th Century was created to remind us of how far we′ve come, how we got here, and exactly what public health is: the active protection of our nation′s health and safety, credible information to enhance health decisions, and partnerships with local minorities and organizations to promote good health.

Learn more about how far we′ve come in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR):

Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the 20th Century

• Immunizations
• Motor-Vehicle Safety
• Workplace Safety
• Control of Infectious Diseases
• Declines in Deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke
• Safer and Healthier Foods
• Healthier Mothers and Babies
• Family Planning
• Fluoridation of Drinking Water
• Tobacco as a Health Hazard
• Future Directions of Public Health