The Why
Why Public Health Matters
Public health works behind the scenes to prevent disease, protect communities from health and environmental hazards, and promote healthier communities. Learn why public health matters and explore resources that support communities across New Jersey.
RESOURCES
Trusted Public Health Resources
Explore key data sources, planning tools, and organizational resources that support healthier communities.
- Rutgers Office of Climate Action: Climate planning, resilience, and sustainability resources.
- NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center: Information and guidance for pedestrian and bicycle safety.
- NJ Department of Health (NJDOH): New Jersey’s state agency for public health data and programs.
- Healthy New Jersey: The state’s health improvement initiative.
- Local Public Health: Find New Jersey’s local public health departments and the services they provide to communities across the state.
- NJ League of Municipalities: Resources for local government policy and advocacy in New Jersey.
Toolkits & Practice Resources
- Communicating About Public Health Toolkit: Research-tested public health communication resources and examples.
- Quality Improvement Tools to Advance Public Health Performance: Practical tools for planning, problem-solving, and performance improvement.
- The Community Guide: Evidence-based recommendations to help communities choose effective interventions and policies.
- 10 Essential Public Health Services Toolkit: A framework for public health practice used to guide and strengthen public health systems.
Data, Dashboards, & Planning Resources
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Data Tools: Health data on quality, access, and disparities.
- City Health Dashboard: City-level health indicators and data for communities and planners.
- County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: County- and state-level health data and trends.
- Foundational Public Health Services: A framework for the essential public health services that should be available in every community.
- Health in All Policies: A strategy for addressing the complex factors that influence health and equity.
- Healthy People 2030: National public health goals and data to guide public health improvement.
National Public Health Organizations
- American Public Health Association (APHA) — Public health education, policy, and advocacy resources.
- Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN): Support and resources for public health nurses and the communities they serve.
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO): Tools and support for state and territorial public health policy and practice.
- deBeaumont Foundation: Public health leadership and workforce resources.
- National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO): Tools and guidance for local public health practice.
- National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH): Resources, education, and advocacy support for local boards of health.
- National Environmental Health Association (NEHA): Professional resources for environmental health practice.
- National Library of Medicine Public Health Resources: Reliable public health information and research tools.
- Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB): Accreditation and quality improvement guidance.
- Public Health Foundation (PHF): Tools, training, and resources to strengthen public health practice.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF): Research and grants for health and equity.
- Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): Education and training resources for public health professionals.
- The Network for Public Health Law: Legal resources and support for public health practitioners.
- Trust for America’s Health: Resources to advance an evidence-based public health system.
Related PHACE Pages
Looking for current initiatives, updates, or ways to connect with PHACE? Explore the links below for advocacy efforts, news, events, and ways to get involved.