Diverse Membership
APHL’s core membership is comprised of public health, environmental and agricultural laboratories. Representatives from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and interested individuals also participate in the association. International participation is expanding in response to the globalization of disease and APHL’s active global health program.
Leader in Public Health Policy
Federal Liaison: APHL connects US public health laboratories with federal agencies, serving as a conduit for exchange of information. It also advises agencies on development and implementation of national health initiatives.
Member Resource: APHL researches and responds to inquiries, represents members at national forums, and provides guidance on federal protocols and directives.
Policy Analysis: APHL issues statements on pending legislation and regulations, provides expert testimony, comments on proposed rulemaking and disseminates educational materials on priority issues.
National Reputation in Laboratory Education and Training
Laboratory Training: In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, APHL sponsors the National Laboratory Training Network (NLTN), which offers high quality, low-cost continuing education on priority topics. The NLTN serves professionals from medical, public health and environmental laboratories in the US and its territories.
Leadership Development: APHL directs the National Center for Public Health Laboratory Leadership, a resource designed to develop leaders and expand knowledge of public health laboratory management. The association also manages fellowship and traineeship programs that prepare laboratory scientists for a career in public health and advance the skills of mid-level professionals.
National Conferences: APHL convenes national conferences and colloquia on critical issues in laboratory science. Recent meetings have examined the laboratory implications of molecular diagnostics, public health informatics, tuberculosis, food safety, chemical terrorism and biomonitoring.
Center for Laboratory Resources
Research: APHL conducts research on the status of public health laboratories and disseminates findings in reports, briefs and Web articles.
Information/Publications: APHL publishes authoritative materials on public health laboratory science, practice and management. It produces electronic and print newsletters, a quarterly magazine, briefs and reports, training materials and other resources.
Supporting Development of Laboratory Systems Worldwide
Global Health: APHL is recognized internationally as a leader in the design and development of public health laboratory practice and systems. The association assists national ministries of health in strategic planning, assessment and development of quality laboratory testing. It also organizes networking opportunities for international laboratory professionals and assists in the development of laboratory information systems. Global health initiatives are under way in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.