What does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. The agency conducts research, provides health information, and supports public health efforts to respond to health threats ranging from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. It also works with state and local partners to monitor health trends and promote health equity. It was established in 1946.
$12.2B
0.7%
How much does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spend?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked 5th among Department of Health and Human Services divisions in net spending in 2024.
HHS net spending by division, FY 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.
Yearly federal net spending by CDC, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.
Net spending by CDC as a share of federal spending, FYs 1980–2024
How did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spend its budget in 2024?
Federal government net spending isolated to CDC, FY 2024
How many people work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?
The number of federal employees working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has increased 31.6% since 2010.
Number of federal employees working for CDC, September 2010–2024
Who leads the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?
The CDC is led by a director. This individual is nominated by the President of the United States and requires Senate confirmation. The CDC director reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. There is no fixed term for this position.
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.