The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has played a pivotal role in public health since its establishment in 1946. Originally formed as the Communicable Disease Center, the CDC has undergone
significant transformations over the decades, adapting to new challenges and expanding its scope. This article traces the historical timeline of the CDC, highlighting key milestones and organizational changes that have shaped its journey.
The Early Years: 1940s to 1960s
The CDC was organized in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 1, 1946, as the Communicable Disease Center. Its initial focus was on controlling malaria, but it quickly expanded its mission to include other communicable diseases. In 1947, the CDC took over the Public Health Service Plague Laboratory in San Francisco, acquiring an Epidemiology Division. By 1948, the CDC gained worldwide recognition for its contributions to the taxonomy of the Enterobacteriaceae.
During the 1950s, the CDC began to address biological warfare threats, reflecting Cold War concerns. The Epidemic Intelligence Service was established in 1951 to protect against biological warfare and manmade epidemics. The CDC also launched the Polio Surveillance Program in 1955, marking its commitment to combating infectious diseases.
Expansion and Challenges: 1970s to 1990s
In 1970, the CDC was renamed the Center for Disease Control, reflecting its broader focus. The 1970s saw the integration of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health into the CDC, expanding its scope to include workplace health. The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male was brought to public attention in 1972, leading to increased scrutiny and ethical reforms.
The 1980s marked a significant organizational change as the CDC was renamed to the plural Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1980. This change reflected the creation of constituent centers, institutes, and offices. The CDC faced new challenges in the 1990s, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant diseases and the AIDS epidemic, which claimed 200,000 American lives by 1993.
Modern Era: 2000s to Present
The 2000s brought new public health challenges, including the anthrax attacks in 2001 and the SARS outbreak in 2003. The CDC responded by establishing the Laboratory Response Network and providing guidance for surveillance and clinical evaluation. In 2005, rubella was eliminated in the United States, showcasing the CDC's success in disease prevention.
The CDC celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006, continuing to evolve with initiatives like the GeoSentinel surveillance network. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the CDC Moving Forward initiative in 2023, returning to a flat organizational structure to enhance efficiency. Today, the CDC remains a cornerstone of public health, adapting to new challenges while maintaining its mission to protect health and safety.
