In 2024, the U.S. continued to contend with a complex landscape of public health challenges. While the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had subsided, its lingering effects—along with intensifying natural disasters, workforce shortages, and persistent health disparities—remained evident. From the constant threat of novel infectious diseases to the destabilizing influence of hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, federal, state, and local health systems faced escalating demands. These conditions underscored a dual imperative: maintaining robust day-to-day public health operations and ensuring readiness for emergencies.
Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism evaluates how prepared the nation and all states are to safeguard residents from a wide range of health threats. This year’s analysis draws on 10 key indicators—spanning healthcare workforce mobility, accreditation, public health funding, water system safety, workforce well-being, vaccination coverage, patient safety, laboratory surge capacity, and avoidable mortality. Improving on these measures requires efforts by state legislatures and governors, health departments, the healthcare delivery system, and the general public. Learn more on tfah.org.