The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to safeguard the public's health by strengthening public health laboratories in the United States and across the world. In collaboration with members, APHL advances laboratory systems and practices, and promotes policies that support healthy communities. The association's founding members are directors of state and territorial public health laboratories. Others include state laboratory staff, city and county laboratory directors, and international representatives. APHL is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization with a history of over fifty years.