Which of the following is considered an essential public health service according to the CDC?

Monitoring health status and informing the public is integral to public health as it involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and using health data to identify and address health issues within communities. This service helps public health officials understand the health needs of a population, track disease outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. By sharing this information with the community, public health agencies can better educate individuals about health risks and promote healthy behaviors, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

This essential service aligns with the CDC's core functions of public health, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches. It is focused not just on treatment, but on prevention and health promotion, which are foundational components of public health practice.