[citation needed] The organization focusses on a wide range of public health issues with programing related to academics, policy, capacity building, and advocacy.

We are the only organization that combines a 150-plus year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public's health."

"[4] Members are organized into sections, special interest groups, affiliates, forums, and caucuses.

Sections are the primary organizing units in APHA composed of individuals with shared interest in topics, practice areas, or conditions.

The meeting draws more than 13,000 attendees, offers 700 booths of exhibits and features more than 1,000 scientific sessions, representing the full spectrum of public health issues as well as the multifaceted nature of APHA in relation to the advancement of science and public health advocacy.

[16] The week’s activities are designed to raise awareness around issues that are important to improving the public’s health.

[16] In June 2019, The American Public Health Association firmly condemned official litigation with the United States of America by the Trump administration.

At the end of the Trump administration, the APHA opposed a legal filing with the Supreme Court which would have repealed the Affordable Care Act.