Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

CDC works 24/7 with state and local health departments to save lives and safeguard communities from public health threats. When states are prepared to detect or respond rapidly to threats, communities are better protected. CDC plays a critical role in preparing states because of its unique expertise in responding to infectious, occupational, or environmental incidents.

CDC's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response leads the agency's preparedness and response activities by providing strategic direction, support, and coordination for activities across CDC as well as with local, state, tribal, national, territorial, and international public health partners. CDC provides funding and technical assistance to states to build and strengthen public health capabilities. Ensuring that states can adequately respond to threats will result in greater health security; a critical component of overall U.S. national security.