A health crisis is a situation in which an individual’s behavior or emotions put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These situations can be triggered by a wide range of conditions, including stress at home or work, interpersonal conflicts, substance abuse or exposure to trauma and PTSD. In the context of public health, a health crisis may also include an infectious disease outbreak or a disaster such as an earthquake or flood.
Managing a health crisis requires coordination at all levels of government. Federal agencies provide resources and guidelines, but state governments have primary responsibility for implementing health measures like quarantines and vaccinations during a health emergency. Federalism plays a critical role in how health crises are managed, as the unique responsibilities of each level of government contribute to the effectiveness of the overall response.
The United States is currently facing several health challenges, including obesity, drug overdoses and suicide, which have been described as “deaths of despair.” CDC works with partners to promote policies and strategies that address differences in social determinants of health, such as income, education, housing and transportation, to help everyone have a fair opportunity to live their healthiest life possible.