Association of Public Health Laboratories

The [Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)](https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/publications/Documents/About-APHL.pdf) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally. APHL represents state and local governmental health laboratories in the United States; this includes public health, agricultural, environmental and other related laboratories. Its [members](https://www.aphl.org/membership/Pages/memberlabs.aspx "APHL Member Labs"), known collectively as “[public health laboratories](https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/Pages/aboutphls.aspx "About Public Health Laboratories"),” monitor, detect and respond to health threats. **Vision** A healthier world through quality laboratory systems. **Mission** Shape national and global health outcomes by promoting the value and contributions of public health laboratories and continuously improving the public health laboratory system and practice. **Values** At APHL we strive to promote community; diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; innovation; and scientific and professional integrity. **About Public Health Laboratories** Public health laboratories are America's first line of defense against a wide range of health threats. These labs perform diagnostic testing and disease surveillance, and form the backbone of a national laboratory network that responds to novel strains of disease, natural disasters, chemical spills, foodborne outbreaks and other health emergencies. [](https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/Pages/aboutphls.aspx)