Which laboratories are “public health” laboratories?
When we say “public health laboratory” we mean local, state, federal and territorial government laboratories focused on protecting the public’s health. That includes laboratories performing human, environmental, animal and food testing to monitor for and detect health threats. Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month
Every September, we recognize and celebrate the vital role public health laboratories play in protecting our communities. Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month is a time honor the unsung heroes behind disease detection, outbreak response, environmental monitoring and countless other public health functions that keep us safe every day.
Questions?
Contact the Membership team: [email protected]
Say Thank You
Why We Celebrate Public Health Laboratories
Public health laboratories are the unsung heroes behind disease detection, outbreak response, environmental monitoring and countless other public health functions that keep us safe every day. These laboratory teams are the unsung heroes behind disease detection, outbreak response, environmental monitoring and countless other public health functions that keep us safe every day.
Throughout the month of September, APHL honors the dedicated laboratory scientists and staff who work tirelessly to protect the health and safety of the public. Their expertise and commitment are essential to identifying emerging health threats, supporting emergency preparedness and disease prevention.
This month is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of public health laboratory systems, highlight their achievements and advocate for continued investment in their infrastructure and workforce.
Help Recognize our Community
Celebrate with Us!
Join us in celebrating the people and the science behind public health laboratories. Follow APHL on social media, explore stories from the field, and learn how you can support and amplify the work of these critical institutions.
QIAGEN-sponsored Microbe Masterpieces & Chemistry Creations Art Contest
The annual QIAGEN-sponsored Microbe Masterpieces & Chemistry Creations Art Contest, which began in 2020, calls for our community to create artwork that reflects your public health laboratory work: a microbe, microbial colony, biochemical analyte, chemical agent, anything! Sketch, paint, sculpt, bake, knit or use any technique you like. Anyone who works for a local, state, federal or territorial public health laboratory is eligible to enter (including environmental, agricultural and food safety labs)! Details on the next contest will be provided in August 2026.
Celebration Ideas
Check back in August for updated materials and more ideas!
Social Media Materials
Join the conversation on social media by following APHL and using #ThanksPHLabs throughout September. We will provide fun graphics to celebrate public health laboratory staff. You can also make your own with your team photo included.
Use these social posts to celebrate public health laboratory staff throughout September.
- Public health isn’t possible without public health laboratories. This September, we honor the scientists, technicians, and staff who keep our communities safe, one test at a time. #ThanksPHLabs
- Public health labs are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system. This month, we’re giving a big thank you to the lab staff who work tirelessly to protect our health. Join us! #ThanksPHLabs
- Not all heroes wear capes, some wear lab coats! Join us in thanking public health laboratory teams during this public health laboratory appreciation month. Their impact is immeasurable. #ThanksPHLabs
- Every September we recognize public health laboratory professionals who work passionately to protect the health of all people and all communities. Their work saves lives daily. Join us in saying #ThanksPHLabs
- From flu testing to an oil spill, public health laboratories are an important line of defense. Whether testing human, animal, environmental or food samples, lab teams are keeping us safe from serious health treats. Learn more at www.aphl.org/OneHealth #ThanksPHLabs #OneHealth