The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on The State of Public Health in Canada 2008

Defining Public Health

Public health can be defined in a number of ways, but a simple explanation is that it is the organized efforts of society to keep people healthy and prevent injury, disease and premature death. It is a combination of programs, services and policies that protect and promote the health of all Canadians.

While health care focuses mainly on treating individuals, public health targets entire populations to keep people from becoming sick or getting sicker. Both work to limit the impacts of disease and disability.

The public health system develops and supports programs that encourage people to take control of their personal well-being through prevention measures, like getting vaccinated, not drinking and driving, quitting smoking, becoming more active and eating healthier foods. These initiatives make it easier to make healthy choices.

Public health also undertakes research to understand and address the root causes of poor health ― which are sometimes beyond individuals’ control.