The Future of Health Departments: The Governmental Presence

In the 30 years preceding the end of World War II, local and state health departments and the U.S. Public Health Service grew and flourished as guardians of the people's health. In the subsequent 30 years, health departments have lost much of their momen­ tum. The traditional U.S. Public Health Service has disappeared and its replacements have been transitory both in leadership and composition. Public health programs have been handed over to private interests and agencies lacking public health competence. The result has been confusion and pessimism about the future role of health departments.