INTRODUCTION

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency responsible for the nation’s efforts “to prevent unnecessary illness and death and enhance the health of the American people.” Since its inception in 1946, the agency has been an advocate for the control and prevention of disease and lead such efforts against malaria, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and tuberculosis. The mission of the CDC is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury and disability and strives to protect people’s health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health. Many of these areas of concern include environmental and occupational hazards, behavioral risks, chronic diseases and emerging infectious diseases. CDC accomplishes its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and world to monitor health, detect and investigate health problems, conduct applied research to enhance prevention, develop and advocate sound public health policies, implement prevention strategies, promote healthy behaviors, foster safe and healthful environments, and provide leadership and training.

In an effort to provide training and research opportunities for minorities interested in the health professions, the CDC has entered into a cooperative agreement with Morehouse College to support programs administered by the Public Health Sciences Institute (PHSI). Through this agreement, PHSI administers and supports various educational and research programs including the summer internship program, Project: IMHOTEP.