Public health infrastructure: creating a solid foundation

The nation's public health system remains in disarray, despite the 1988 warning by the Institute of Medicine in its landmark report, "The Future of Public Health." Recent concerns about antibiotic resistance, inadequate disease surveillance capabilities, bioterrorism, and an increasing need for training the public health workforce have brought this problem into the forefront of congressional concern. Recent legislation aimed at addressing this problem was passed last Fall and signed into law. This program will take a significant step towards ensuring a solid public health system when it is fully implemented.