Do you have a heart for public health? Consider giving to the CDC Foundation

As one can imagine, it takes a lot of resources for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to eradicate diseases, to take care of people in times of emergencies and disasters, to research for future crises, and to keep people healthy on a daily basis.

While CDC receives vital government funding, additional private funding is crucial to get the essential work done both quickly and efficiently, especially when time is of the essence. The CDC Foundation provides private funding through a variety of programs to fill in the gaps so CDC can continue its valuable work.

One of the many programs the CDC Foundation offers is the Stephen B. Thacker Fund. Dr. Thacker was a leader of public health science who spent 37 years at CDC in a number of positions including director of the Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services from 2010 to 2012 and director of the Epidemiology Program Office from 1989 to 2004. Sadly, Dr. Thacker passed away February 2013, but his legacy and love for public health lives on through the fund in his name.

Maria Thacker Goethe, Dr. Thacker’s daughter and an advocate for both public health and the CDC Foundation, said that giving to the CDC Foundation is perfect for those who are passionate about public health and who want to see their money go toward something that is meaningful, is sustainable and saves lives.

Most of the contributions donated to the Stephen B. Thacker Fund go to foster high school juniors and seniors who aspire to work in public health by providing CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp where they can learn more about epidemiology and a career in the diverse field of public health. Additional resources from the Stephen B. Thacker Fund go to the Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library and to mentorships.

There are many other programs that donors can give to as well that include other aspects of public health such as emergency response, polio eradication, food fortification to prevent birth defects and clean water efforts around the world, just to name a few.

“Every day and in times of crisis, the CDC Foundation works to improve millions of lives. There are numerous opportunities where you can give and support its mission while knowing that your gift will make a positive impact on health and lives worldwide,” Thacker Goethe said.

If you are interested in making a lifesaving gift to the CDC Foundation, visit www.cdcfoundation.org/give.

This article originally ran in the August issue of CDC Federal Credit Union's Dollars and Sense newsletter.