U.S. ECONOMY > American Industries > Healthcare & Medicine > U.S. Centers for Disease Control

About the CDC

CDC Vision for the 21st Century

“Healthy People in a Healthy World—Through Prevention”

CDC, as the sentinel for the health of people in the United States and throughout the world, strives to protect people’s health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health through strong partnerships.

CDC Mission

To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and the world to

• monitor health,
• detect and investigate health problems,
• conduct research to enhance prevention,
• develop and advocate sound public health policies,
• implement prevention strategies,
• promote healthy behaviors,
• foster safe and healthful environments,
• provide leadership and training.

Those functions are the backbone of CDC’s mission. Each of CDC’s component organizations undertakes these activities in conducting its specific programs. The steps needed to accomplish this mission are also based on scientific excellence, requiring well-trained public health practitioners and leaders dedicated to high standards of quality and ethical practice.

CDC Pledge

CDC pledges to the American people:

To be a diligent steward of the funds entrusted to it.

 

To provide an environment for intellectual and personal growth and integrity.

 

To base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data, openly and objectively derived.

 

To place the benefits to society above the benefits to the institution.

 

To treat all persons with dignity, honesty, and respect.

CDC Core Values

Accountability — As diligent stewards of public trust and public funds, we act decisively and compassionately in service to the people’s health. We ensure that our research and our services are based on sound science and meet real public needs to achieve our public health goals.

Respect — We respect and understand our interdependence with all people, both inside the agency and throughout the world, treating them and their contributions with dignity and valuing individual and cultural diversity. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization.

Integrity — We are honest and ethical in all we do. We will do what we say. We prize scientific integrity and professional excellence.