Celebrating The Community Guide
“In 23 years, The Community Guide has given us nearly 250 evidence-based recommendations and findings to improve the health and safety of our communities. This indispensable national resource has saved lives, improved health, reduced costs, and informed and supported the work of decision makers at national, state, and local levels. I want to thank all past and present Community Preventive Services Task Force members, liaisons, staff, partners, and friends of the Guide for your contributions and ongoing support.”
Dr. Jonathan Fielding
Chair, Community Preventive Services Task Force
Read The Community Guide A National Health Success Story, Dr. Fielding’s contribution to the CDC Foundation blog
Celebrating Two Decades of Achievements
The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) celebrated over two decades of achievements on June 12, at an event co-hosted by CPSTF Chair Jonathan E. Fielding MD, MPH, MBA, MA and the CDC Foundation at the Tom Harkin Global Communications Center. Approximately 150 people attended the celebration including current and past CPSTF members, liaisons, CDC program partners, Community Guide staff, and friends of The Community Guide.
Remarks about the value of the Community Guide, and those who have shaped its contributions over the past 23 years, were delivered by distinguished leaders including US Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH (RADM, USPHS); CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD; CPSTF Chair Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, MBA, MA; and CPSTF Vice-Chair Ned Calonge, MD, MPH. CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, MD (RADM, USPHS, RET) served as master of ceremony for the celebration. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to see fellow and past colleagues and friends of The Community Guide.
“The Community Guide has addressed many important public health issues facing national, state, and local decision makers. CDC looks forward to continuing work with the Community Preventive Services Task Force, The Community Guide, and their partners to tackle the most pressing population health issues.”
– Dr. Robert Redfield
CDC Director
Join in the Celebration
Photo Gallery
Guests included past and present CPSTF members, Liaison representatives (including members of the U.S. Armed Forces), staff from CDC programs and friends who have worked with The Community Guide. Browse the photo gallery.
Handouts and Displays
Commemorative Booklet [PDF – 2.59 MB]
List of Current CPSTF Members, Previous CPSTF Members, and CPSTF Liasions [PDF – 1.13 MB]
List of Community Guide Contributors Past and Present – CPSTF members, Liaisons, and Staff [PDF – 317 kB]
The Community Guide: By the Numbers
21 topic areas: adolescent health; asthma; cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; emergency preparedness; excessive alcohol consumption; health communication and health information technology; HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy; mental health; motor vehicle injury; nutrition; obesity; oral health; physical activity; pregnancy health; tobacco; vaccination; violence; worksite health
32 liaisons representing state and local health departments, the U.S. Armed Forces, federal agencies, health care professionals, and other national organizations invested in America’s health
45+ Community Preventive Services Task Force members over the history of the Task Force, appointed by the CDC director
245+ recommendations and findings issued by the Community Preventive Services Task Force
335+ publications of Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, findings, and Community Guide methods
55,000 total volunteer hours donated over the past 23 years, by members of the Community Preventive Services Task Force
Growth and Historic Milestones
1999 The first 17 Community Preventive Services Task Force findings on vaccination interventions are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Community Preventive Services Task Force findings complement those of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
2000 The Department of Transportation’s Appropriations Act (HR4475) passes, requiring states to implement 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration laws or forfeit federal highway construction funds. The Community Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendation informs the evidence base for this legislation. All 50 states adopt the law, saving an estimated 500 lives each year.1
2005 The Guide to Community Preventive Services: What Works to Promote Health is published in hard copy.
2010 The Community Preventive Services Task Force becomes codified in law through the Public Health Service Act, Section 399.
2016 The Community Guide redesigns its website using responsive design to offer more accessible, tailored user experiences.
1Hingson, R, Heeren, T, Wintergson, R. Effects of recent 0.08% legal blood alcohol limits on fatal crash involvement. Injury Prevention, 2000 6:109-114. https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/6/2/109
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services established The Community Guide in 1996, beginning with the appointment of an exceptional board of advisors, to complement the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services. Together, the resources offer invaluable, evidence-based tools for community decision makers.”
– Dr. David Satcher
Former CDC Director, 1993–1998
#CelebratingtheGuide
Attendees at the event, as well as those who were unable to make it in person, were asked to join in the celebration on Twitter with the hashtag “#CelebratingtheGuide”. Below is a sample of those Tweets.