Public Health Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, community visits
Best For: Scouts interested in health, community safety, service
Hands-On Level: Low, Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Public Health merit badge helps you understand how communities prevent disease and protect people. You learn how illness can spread and what steps can reduce the risk. You also see how clean water, safe food, proper waste disposal, and good habits support public health.

As you work through the requirements, you study real health problems and their causes. You learn how health officials track disease and respond to outbreaks. You also look at ways communities prepare for emergencies and share clear health information.

This merit badge helps you see how your choices can affect other people. You learn how health workers, scientists, government leaders, and community members work together. The skills you gain can help you make better decisions and serve your community.

The requirements for the Public Health merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Public Health Merit Badge Requirements

Public Health Merit Badge Pamphlet

Public Health Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Printable check off sheet for all Scouts BSA merit badges

Help with Answers for Public Health Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Public Health merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Public Health and Diseases
• Requirement 2: Immunization
• Requirement 3: Water and Disease
• Requirement 4: Vectors
• Requirement 5: Facilities
• Requirement 6: Health Dangers
• Requirement 7: Health Agencies
• Requirement 8: Careers in Public Health
• More Resources

Requirement 1a: Public Health

What You Need To Do

Describe public health and how it protects groups of people. Include examples such as clean water, safe food, disease control, vaccines, and health education.

Helpful Tips

• Public health focuses on the health of communities.
• It works to prevent illness before people become sick.
• Clean drinking water is part of public health.
• Food safety rules help prevent foodborne illness.
• Vaccines help reduce the spread of some diseases.
• Health departments track outbreaks and health risks.
• Public health workers share safety information.
• Camp sanitation rules are also public health measures.

Resources

• What Is Public Health?? (video)
• What Is Public Health? Crash Course Public Health #1 (video)
• Why Public Health Matters (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts for examples from school, camp, and home.
• Connect the topic to handwashing and safe food storage.
• Encourage Scouts to use clear examples.
• Check for a focus on groups of people, not one patient.

Requirement 1b: E. Coli

What You Need To Do

Describe how harmful E. coli bacteria enter the body. Cover contaminated food, unsafe water, and poor handwashing.

Helpful Tips

• E. coli is a type of bacteria.
• Most strains do not cause illness.
• Some strains can cause severe stomach illness.
• Undercooked ground beef can carry harmful E. coli.
• Unwashed produce can become contaminated.
• Unsafe drinking water can spread the bacteria.
• Poor handwashing can spread it from person to person.
• Raw meat must stay separate from ready-to-eat food.

Resources

• Food Safety: Avoiding E. coli (video)

Leader Tips

• Use a camp cooking example.
• Review handwashing and food separation.
• Ask Scouts to describe safe meat preparation.
• Keep the focus on how infection occurs.

Requirement 1b: Tetanus

What You Need To Do

Describe how tetanus bacteria enter the body through damaged skin. Include puncture wounds, deep cuts, soil, dust, and animal waste.

Helpful Tips

• Tetanus is caused by bacteria.
• The bacteria can live in soil and dust.
• They can also be found in animal waste.
• A deep puncture wound can allow bacteria to enter.
• A dirty cut can also create a risk.
• Tetanus does not spread from person to person.
• The bacteria produce a toxin affecting the nerves.
• Vaccination and proper wound care lower the risk.

Resources

• What Is Tetanus and How Do You Get It? (video)

Leader Tips

• Connect this section to first aid.
• Review cleaning and covering wounds.
• Avoid using rusty nails as the only example.
• Stress the role of vaccination.

Requirement 1b: AIDS

What You Need To Do

Describe how HIV spreads and how untreated HIV can lead to AIDS. Include the body fluids involved and common routes of transmission.

Helpful Tips

• AIDS can develop from an untreated HIV infection.
• HIV attacks the immune system.
• HIV can spread through blood.
• It can spread through semen and vaginal fluids.
• It can also spread through breast milk.
• Sexual contact can spread HIV.
• Sharing needles can spread HIV.
• HIV does not spread through hugs, food, or toilet seats.

Leader Tips

• Use accurate and calm language.
• Correct myths about casual contact.
• Keep the discussion age-appropriate.
• Protect privacy during group discussion.

Requirement 1b: Encephalitis

What You Need To Do

Describe how viruses causing encephalitis can reach people. Include mosquito bites, tick bites, and infections caused by other viruses.

Helpful Tips

• Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain.
• Viruses cause many cases.
• Some viruses spread through mosquito bites.
• Some viruses spread through tick bites.
• Certain common viruses can also lead to encephalitis.
• Most cases do not spread directly between people.
• Fever, headache, confusion, or seizures may occur.
• Insect repellent and protective clothing reduce risk.

Leader Tips

• Connect prevention to outdoor activities.
• Review mosquito and tick protection.
• Keep medical symptom lists brief.
• Focus on how viruses reach the body.

Requirement 1b: Salmonellosis

What You Need To Do

Describe how Salmonella bacteria spread through contaminated food, water, animals, and hands.

Helpful Tips

• Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria.
• Raw eggs can carry Salmonella.
• Undercooked poultry can carry it.
• Unpasteurized milk can also be a source.
• Reptiles and birds may carry the bacteria.
• Hands must be washed after touching animals.
• Raw foods must stay separate from cooked foods.
• Safe cooking temperatures help kill the bacteria.

Resources

• Salmonella (video)

Leader Tips

• Use food preparation examples from camp.
• Review safe handling of eggs and poultry.
• Include animal contact as a source.
• Ask Scouts to describe proper handwashing.

Requirement 1b: Lyme Disease

What You Need To Do

Describe how infected ticks spread Lyme disease through a bite. Include outdoor exposure and the time a tick may remain attached.

Helpful Tips

• Lyme disease is caused by bacteria.
• Infected ticks carry the bacteria.
• Ticks live in wooded and grassy areas.
• A tick must attach to the skin.
• Risk rises as the tick remains attached.
• Long pants help protect the legs.
• Repellent can reduce tick bites.
• A full tick check should follow outdoor activity.

Resources

• 5 Tips to Prevent Tick Bites and Getting Lyme Disease (video)

Leader Tips

• Demonstrate a proper tick check.
• Review safe tick removal.
• Connect the topic to hiking and camping.
• Avoid creating fear of outdoor activity.

Requirement 1b: Coronavirus

What You Need To Do

Describe how the virus causing COVID-19 spreads through the air. Include close contact, indoor spaces, and contact with respiratory particles.

Helpful Tips

• COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus.
• The virus spreads mainly through the air.
• Breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing release particles.
• Close indoor contact raises the risk.
• A person without symptoms may still spread the virus.
• Staying home while sick helps protect others.
• Good airflow can lower indoor risk.
• Vaccination can reduce severe illness.

Resources

• How the COVID-19 Virus Is Transmitted (video)

Leader Tips

• Use current health guidance when needed.
• Keep political opinions out of the discussion.
• Focus on routes of spread and prevention.
• Allow Scouts to ask factual questions.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Gonorrhea

What You Need To Do

Describe how gonorrhea spreads and how exposure may be prevented. Include its disease type, routes of transmission, lack of vectors, and available treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection.
• It spreads through sexual contact.
• Vaginal, oral, or anal sex can spread it.
• A person may have no clear symptoms.
• Gonorrhea has no insect or animal vector.
• Condoms lower the risk of infection.
• Testing helps find infections early.
• Antibiotics are used for treatment.
• Untreated infection can cause serious health problems.

Leader Tips

• Use medically accurate terms.
• Keep the discussion respectful and age-appropriate.
• Do not ask Scouts to share personal experiences.
• Focus on prevention, testing, and treatment.

Requirement 1c and 1d: West Nile Virus

What You Need To Do

Describe how West Nile virus spreads through mosquitoes. Include its viral form, bird and mosquito cycle, prevention methods, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• West Nile is a viral disease.
• Infected birds carry the virus.
• Mosquitoes bite infected birds.
• Infected mosquitoes can then bite people.
• Mosquitoes are the vector.
• The disease does not usually spread through casual contact.
• Repellent helps prevent mosquito bites.
• Long sleeves and pants provide added protection.
• Removing standing water reduces mosquito breeding.
• Treatment focuses on symptoms and supportive care.

Resources

• West Nile Story (West Nile Virus Prevention Rap) (video)
• How West Nile Virus Is Transmitted (video)

Leader Tips

• Connect prevention to camp preparation.
• Check campsites for standing water.
• Review correct repellent use.
• Mention hospital care for severe cases.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Botulism

What You Need To Do

Describe how botulism toxin enters the body. Include food sources, wound exposure, infant risk, prevention, and medical treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Botulism is caused by a bacterial toxin.
• It is not usually spread from person to person.
• Improperly canned food can contain the toxin.
• Damaged or swollen cans may be unsafe.
• Infants must not eat honey.
• Soil can contain botulism spores.
• Some wounds can become infected.
• Safe home canning lowers the risk.
• Botulism requires urgent medical care.
• Antitoxin may be used during treatment.

Resources

• 6 Types of Botulism: Food, Infant, Wound & More Explained! (video)
• What Is Botulism? (video)

Leader Tips

• Review safe food storage and canning.
• Tell Scouts never to taste suspicious food.
• Include the honey warning for infants.
• Stress the need for emergency care.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Influenza

What You Need To Do

Describe how influenza spreads between people. Include its viral form, airborne spread, prevention, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Influenza is a viral infection.
• It spreads through respiratory particles.
• Coughing and sneezing can release the virus.
• Talking and breathing can also spread it.
• Close indoor contact increases exposure.
• Influenza has no insect vector.
• A yearly flu vaccine lowers risk.
• Handwashing helps reduce spread.
• Sick people should stay home.
• Antiviral medicine may help some patients.

Resources

• How Does the Flu Spread? (video)
• Flu Virus 101 (video)

Leader Tips

• Compare influenza with a common cold.
• Focus on respiratory spread.
• Review cough and sneeze covering.
• Avoid giving personal medical advice.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Syphilis

What You Need To Do

Describe how syphilis spreads through sexual contact. Include its bacterial form, lack of vectors, prevention, testing, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection.
• It spreads through direct contact with an infected sore.
• Sexual contact is the main route.
• Infection can pass during pregnancy.
• Syphilis has no insect or animal vector.
• Casual contact does not spread it.
• Condoms can lower the risk.
• Testing can find infections with few symptoms.
• Antibiotics can cure syphilis.
• Untreated infection can damage major organs.

Leader Tips

• Use calm and factual language.
• Avoid personal questions.
• Include pregnancy as a route of transmission.
• Stress early testing and treatment.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Hepatitis

What You Need To Do

Describe the main forms of viral hepatitis and how each spreads. Include prevention methods, vaccines, and treatment differences.

Helpful Tips

• Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
• Hepatitis A, B, and C are caused by viruses.
• Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated food or water.
• Poor handwashing can spread hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids.
• Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood.
• Hepatitis has no common insect vector.
• Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.
• No vaccine is available for hepatitis C.
• Treatment depends on the type and severity.

Leader Tips

• Separate the main types during discussion.
• Use a simple comparison chart.
• Focus on how each type spreads.
• Include vaccines and blood safety.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Emphysema

What You Need To Do

Describe emphysema as a noninfectious lung disease. Include environmental causes, prevention, lack of vectors, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs.
• It is not caused by a virus or bacteria.
• It does not spread between people.
• It has no vector.
• Cigarette smoking is a major cause.
• Secondhand smoke can also damage lungs.
• Air pollution and workplace dust may raise risk.
• Avoiding tobacco smoke is the main prevention step.
• Treatment may include inhalers and oxygen.
• Lung damage cannot usually be reversed.

Resources

• Emphysema, Explained in 90 Seconds (video)
• About COPD or Emphysema (website)

Leader Tips

• Keep the focus on lung damage.
• Avoid shaming people with tobacco addiction.
• Include secondhand smoke and air pollution.
• Compare infectious and noninfectious disease.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Meningitis

What You Need To Do

Describe meningitis and its possible viral or bacterial causes. Include routes of spread, prevention, and available treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Meningitis affects the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
• Viruses can cause meningitis.
• Bacteria can also cause it.
• Some forms spread through respiratory droplets.
• Close contact can raise the risk.
• Sharing drinks may spread certain bacteria.
• Most cases have no insect vector.
• Vaccines prevent some forms.
• Bacterial meningitis needs immediate antibiotics.
• Viral meningitis often receives supportive care.

Resources

• The Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis (video)
• Meningitis (website)

Leader Tips

• Stress the need for fast medical care.
• Avoid detailed or frightening symptom lists.
• Review vaccines and hygiene.
• Separate bacterial and viral treatment.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Herpes

What You Need To Do

Describe how herpes spreads through direct skin contact. Include its viral form, prevention, lack of vectors, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Herpes is caused by a virus.
• Oral herpes often affects the mouth.
• Genital herpes affects the genital area.
• Direct skin contact can spread the virus.
• Kissing can spread oral herpes.
• Sexual contact can spread genital herpes.
• Herpes has no insect or animal vector.
• The virus can spread without visible sores.
• Antiviral medicine can reduce symptoms.
• No treatment removes the virus from the body.

Leader Tips

• Use correct and respectful language.
• Do not invite personal stories.
• Include spread without visible sores.
• Focus on contact, prevention, and treatment.

Requirement 1c and 1d: Lead Poisoning

What You Need To Do

Describe how lead enters the body from the environment. Include common sources, prevention, lack of vectors, and treatment.

Helpful Tips

• Lead poisoning comes from a toxic metal.
• It is an environmental illness.
• It does not spread between people.
• It has no vector.
• Old paint can contain lead.
• Paint dust and chips can enter the body.
• Old pipes may add lead to drinking water.
• Contaminated soil can also contain lead.
• Removing the source is the first treatment step.
• Medical care may be needed for high lead levels.

Resources

• Why Lead Poisoning Is a Danger to Your Child’s Health | UNICEF (video)
• Lead Poisoning (website)

Leader Tips

• Use examples from older homes and buildings.
• Focus on dust, paint, water, and soil.
• Mention the greater risk for young children.
• Encourage professional testing of suspected sources.

Requirement 2a: Meaning of Immunization

What You Need To Do

Describe immunization as a way to prepare the immune system to fight a disease. Include how vaccines help the body respond faster after later exposure.

Helpful Tips

• Immunization helps protect the body from disease.
• A vaccine trains the immune system to recognize a germ.
• The immune system can respond faster after exposure.
• Some vaccines use weakened or inactive germs.
• Other vaccines use only part of a germ.
• Vaccines do not treat an illness already in progress.
• Immunization can prevent severe illness.
• High vaccination rates can slow disease spread.
• Community protection helps people who cannot receive some vaccines.

Resources

• Vaccines 101: How Vaccines Work (video)
• How mRNA Vaccines Actually Work | Inside the Vaccine (video)

Leader Tips

• Use a simple comparison to practice before an emergency.
• Keep the focus on prevention.
• Separate vaccines from medicines used after illness begins.
• Ask Scouts for examples from their own health records.

Requirement 2b: Diseases Prevented by Immunization

What You Need To Do

Name eight diseases included in childhood immunizations. Also name two diseases needing periodic booster shots and one disease with an annual immunization.

Helpful Tips

• Measles is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Mumps is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Rubella is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Polio is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Diphtheria is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Tetanus is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Pertussis is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Chickenpox is included in routine childhood vaccination.
• Tetanus protection needs booster doses.
• Diphtheria protection also needs booster doses.
• Influenza vaccination is recommended each year.
• Vaccine schedules may vary by age and health needs.

Resources

• What You Need To Know About Childhood Immunizations (podcast)
• Vaccines for Children Program: 30 Years of Protecting Children (video)

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts group the diseases into three lists.
• Use a current vaccine schedule as a reference.
• Check spelling and pronunciation of disease names.
• Avoid asking Scouts to share private medical details.

Requirement 2c: Diseases Without Immunization

What You Need To Do

Review the diseases from Requirement 1 and identify those without an available vaccine. Discuss other ways people can prevent exposure, spread, or injury.

Helpful Tips

• Gonorrhea has no available vaccine.
• Syphilis has no available vaccine.
• Herpes has no available vaccine.
• Emphysema has no vaccine because it is not an infection.
• Lead poisoning has no vaccine because it comes from environmental exposure.
• Botulism prevention depends mainly on food safety and wound care.
• Lyme disease has no routinely available human vaccine in the United States.
• Some causes of encephalitis have vaccines, while others do not.
• HIV has no approved vaccine.
• E. coli has no routine vaccine for the general public.
• Salmonellosis has no routine vaccine for the general public.
• Prevention may include hygiene, safe food handling, insect protection, testing, and medical care.

Leader Tips

• Review each disease from Requirement 1.
• Separate infectious diseases from toxins and environmental conditions.
• Point out diseases with vaccines for only certain causes or groups.
• Use current public health sources when vaccine guidance changes.

Requirement 3: Safe Water and Clean Dishes

What You Need To Do

Discuss how safe drinking water prevents the spread of disease. Demonstrate two camp methods for making water safe, then show how to wash, dry, and store dishes and utensils.

Helpful Tips

• Unsafe water can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• These germs can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
• Clear water may still contain harmful germs.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
• Let boiled water cool before drinking it.
• A water filter can remove dirt and many harmful organisms.
• Purification tablets must be used exactly as directed.
• Wait the full treatment time before drinking treated water.
• Wash dishes in hot, soapy water.
• Rinse dishes in clean water.
• Use a sanitizing rinse at camp when required.
• Let dishes and utensils air dry.
• Do not dry them with a used towel.
• Store clean items in a dry, covered container.
• Keep dishes away from dirt, insects, and animals.

Resources

• Waterborne Diseases | Waterborne Pathogens | Public Health and Water Safety | Prevention & Control (video)
• The Best Way to Filter Water While Backpacking (video)
• How to Wash Dishes at Camp (video)

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts perform both water-treatment methods.
• Check each step during the dishwashing demonstration.
• Use clean containers for treated water.
• Review local camp rules for sanitizing dishes.

Requirement 4: Vectors and Disease Control

What You Need To Do

Describe a vector and how insects and rodents can spread disease. Cover control methods at home, in the community, and at camp, including actions for individuals and actions requiring group effort.

Helpful Tips

• A vector is a living thing that carries and spreads germs.
• Mosquitoes can spread disease through bites.
• Ticks can spread disease while attached to the skin.
• Flies can move germs from waste to food.
• Mice and rats can spread germs through urine and droppings.
• Keep food sealed and clean up crumbs at home.
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Repair screens and seal holes used by rodents.
• Store food and trash in closed containers at camp.
• Use insect repellent and wear long clothing when needed.
• Check for ticks after hiking or camping.
• One person can remove standing water near a home or campsite.
• One family can seal openings and control food waste.
• Large mosquito problems need community control programs.
• City rodent problems need trash service, building repairs, and pest control.
• Vector control helps prevent disease before people become sick.

Resources

• WHO Vector Borne Disease Animation (video)

Leader Tips

• Use examples from home, camp, and the local community.
• Ask Scouts to sort control methods into individual and group actions.
• Walk through a campsite and identify possible vector problems.
• Keep the focus on prevention and safe cleanup.

Requirement 5a: Wastewater or Solid-Waste Facility

What You Need To Do

Visit a wastewater treatment plant or solid-waste facility with approval from your parent and counselor. Describe how the facility handles waste, discuss the visit with your counselor, and cover safe waste disposal in the wilderness.

Helpful Tips

• Wastewater plants treat sewage from homes and businesses.
• Screens remove large trash from the water.
• Settling tanks separate solids from liquids.
• Helpful bacteria break down some waste.
• Treated water is cleaned before release.
• Solid waste may be dried, treated, or sent to another facility.
• Landfills use liners to help protect soil and groundwater.
• Trash may be sorted for recycling.
• Workers use safety gear around waste and chemicals.
• Human waste in the wilderness must stay far from water sources.
• Use a cathole where local rules allow it.
• Pack out toilet paper when required.
• Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Follow rules for the land or campsite you visit.
• Discuss how each step protects water, soil, wildlife, and people.

Leader Tips

• Help arrange the visit and confirm safety rules.
• Give Scouts a few questions to ask facility staff.
• Review local wilderness waste rules before the discussion.
• Guide Scouts toward public health connections.

Requirement 5b: Food Service Facility

What You Need To Do

Visit a restaurant, cafeteria, or other food service facility with approval from your parent and counselor. Review food handling, germ growth, safe temperatures, thermometer use, and what you found during the visit.

Helpful Tips

• Workers should wash their hands before handling food.
• Raw meat must stay separate from cooked food.
• Clean cutting boards and utensils help prevent cross-contamination.
• Cold food must remain cold.
• Hot food must remain hot.
• Microorganisms grow faster in warm, moist food.
• Time at unsafe temperatures allows germs to multiply.
• Refrigeration slows germ growth.
• Proper cooking temperatures kill many harmful germs.
• Cleaning removes food and dirt from surfaces.
• Sanitizing lowers the number of germs.
• A food thermometer checks the inside temperature.
• Color and smell do not prove food is safe.
• Thermometers should be placed in the thickest part of the food.
• Discuss food safety steps you can use at home and camp.

Resources

• Food Safety: Meet Bacteria (video)
• The Importance of Cooking to a Safe Internal Temperature and How To Use a Food Thermometer (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts prepare questions before the visit.
• Ask them to follow one food item from storage to serving.
• Review cross-contamination and temperature control afterward.
• Keep the discussion focused on what Scouts saw.

Requirement 6a: Pollution and Health

What You Need To Do

Describe how air, water, and noise pollution can harm people. Include both short-term and long-term health effects.

Helpful Tips

• Air pollution can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Smoke, dust, and chemicals can make breathing harder.
• Air pollution can worsen asthma.
• Long exposure can damage the lungs and heart.
• Water pollution can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Unsafe water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
• Chemicals and metals in water can damage organs.
• Polluted water can also affect fish and other food sources.
• Loud noise can damage hearing.
• Ongoing noise can disturb sleep.
• Noise pollution can increase stress.
• Too much noise can make concentration harder.

Resources

• Breathe Life—How Air Pollution Impacts Your Body (video)
• 8 Effects of Water Pollution on Our Health (video)
• Noise Pollution Is Much Worse for You Than You Think (video)

Leader Tips

• Use examples from the Scout’s home, school, or campsite.
• Separate air, water, and noise into three groups.
• Ask Scouts to connect each type with a health effect.
• Keep the focus on health, not only environmental damage.

Requirement 6b: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Abuse

What You Need To Do

Describe the health risks linked to tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse. Include harm to the body, judgment, safety, and other people.

Helpful Tips

• Smoking damages the lungs.
• Tobacco use raises the risk of cancer.
• Tobacco can also harm the heart and blood vessels.
• Secondhand smoke can harm nearby people.
• Alcohol slows reaction time and affects coordination.
• Alcohol can lead to falls, crashes, and other injuries.
• Long-term alcohol abuse can damage the liver and brain.
• Drug abuse can change how the brain works.
• Some drugs can cause dependence.
• Substance abuse can affect mood and behavior.
• Poor judgment can lead to unsafe choices.
• Families and communities can also be harmed.

Resources

• Teen Substance Use & Abuse (Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, Marijuana, and More) (video)
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping (video)

Leader Tips

• Keep the discussion factual and calm.
• Avoid asking Scouts to share personal family stories.
• Include both short-term and long-term effects.
• Connect substance use with safety and decision-making.

Requirement 6c: Illegal and Prescription Drug Abuse

What You Need To Do

Describe the dangers of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription drugs. Include overdose, dependence, unsafe doses, mixing drugs, and proper medication use.

Helpful Tips

• Illegal drugs may contain unknown substances.
• Their strength and contents may be unpredictable.
• Drug use can lead to overdose.
• Some drugs can slow or stop breathing.
• Others can damage the heart, brain, or other organs.
• Prescription drugs can also be dangerous when misused.
• Never take medicine prescribed for another person.
• Never take more than the directed dose.
• Mixing medicines can cause serious reactions.
• Mixing drugs with alcohol raises the risk of harm.
• Misuse can cause dependence and withdrawal.
• Store medicine where children cannot reach it.
• Dispose of unused medicine through an approved program.
• Call for emergency help if an overdose is suspected.

Resources

• Drug Abuse, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (video)

Leader Tips

• Use clear examples without naming methods of misuse.
• Review safe storage and disposal.
• Stress the danger of sharing medicine.
• Keep the focus on prevention and getting help.

Requirement 7a: Visit or Review a Health Agency

What You Need To Do

With approval from your parent or guardian and counselor, visit a public health agency or review its website. Find its main services, programs, reports, and contact information.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a city, county, state, or federal health agency.
• A local health department may provide the most useful community data.
• Check office hours before planning an in-person visit.
• Ask whether visitors need an appointment.
• Look for sections about disease control and prevention.
• Find information about food safety and clean water.
• Review recent reports, charts, and public notices.
• Write down the agency’s main duties.
• Record the names of programs serving your community.
• Save links or copies of useful reports.
• Prepare questions before a visit or phone call.
• Take notes for your discussion with your counselor.

Resources

• Find Your Health Department (website)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout select an agency with useful local information.
• Review questions before an in-person visit.
• Guide the Scout toward reliable reports and data.
• Confirm parent or guardian approval before the visit.

Requirement 7b: Community Health and Agency Response

What You Need To Do

Compare leading causes of death and disease in your community. Describe how the agency works to reduce these problems, responds to outbreaks, and helps during disasters.

Helpful Tips

• Use data from any one year within the past five years.
• Mortality means the number of deaths.
• Morbidity means illness or poor health.
• Find the four leading causes of death in your community.
• Find the four leading causes of disease or illness.
• Use data from the same area when possible.
• Record the year for each set of data.
• Some health problems may appear on both lists.
• Other illnesses may affect many people without causing many deaths.
• Health agencies may offer screenings and vaccination programs.
• Education programs can promote safer choices and early care.
• Agencies collect reports from doctors, hospitals, and laboratories.
• Staff investigate unusual groups of illness.
• They may find the source of contaminated food or water.
• Agencies share testing, treatment, and safety information.
• During disasters, they help protect drinking water and food supplies.
• They may inspect shelters and damaged buildings.
• They can provide clinics, vaccines, and mental health services.
• Cleanup guidance may cover mold, sewage, chemicals, and debris.
• Agencies work with emergency services, schools, hospitals, and community groups.

Resources

• National Vital Statistics System (website)
• How Does Public Health Tackle Outbreaks? (video)
• FEMA’s Role in Disaster Relief (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts separate mortality data from morbidity data.
• Ask them to connect each agency program to a health problem.
• Use a simple chart to compare the two lists.
• Guide the discussion toward prevention, response, and recovery.

Requirement 8: Public Health Career

What You Need To Do

Choose one public health career that interests you. Find the education, training, and work experience needed, then discuss the career with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Start with a career connected to your interests.
• Find the main duties of the job.
• Check the level of education usually required.
• Some careers require a college degree.
• Some jobs require a license or certification.
• Training may include classes, field work, or supervised practice.
• Internships and volunteer work can provide useful experience.
• Entry-level jobs can lead to more advanced positions.
• Check the job setting, such as an office, laboratory, hospital, or outdoor site.
• Find the usual work schedule and daily tasks.
• Look for skills needed in science, math, writing, or communication.
• Use reliable career and public health websites.
• Be ready to describe why the career interests you.
• Share the education, training, and experience needed with your counselor.

Public Health Careers

• Epidemiologist
• Public health educator
• Environmental health specialist
• Public health nurse
• Health inspector
• Emergency preparedness planner
• Biostatistician
• Community health worker
• Disease surveillance specialist
• Occupational health and safety specialist
• Global health worker
• Public health program coordinator
• Laboratory scientist
• Infection prevention specialist
• Health policy analyst
• Public health veterinarian
• Nutrition program specialist
• Health communications specialist

Resources

• Career in Public Health| Everything You Need to Know Public Health Careers| Healthcare Management (video)
• Public Health Careers at the CDC (video)
• Why Study Public Health? | College Majors | College Degrees (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout narrow the list to one career.
• Guide the Scout toward reliable career information.
• Ask how the job supports community health.
• Encourage the Scout to connect the career with personal interests.

Germ Transfer Demonstration

This video and hands on activity provides a great demonstration for how to show youth how easily germs spread. The powder is a safe way to simulate germs. Like germs it cannot be seen. “Infect” one or two people with the powder. Then check the area and other people with the black light later and see how the “germs” have spread.

Afterwards, wash hands to see how effective hand washing techniques are.

Related Troop Program Features for Public Health Merit Badge

Safety

Fitness and Nutrition

More Merit Badge Resources

The Public Health Merit Badge fits well within the large group of merit badges because it teaches clear skills that support learning in many areas. It helps Scouts understand how health systems work and why prevention matters. This makes it a strong choice for Scouts who enjoy science, problem-solving, or community service. It also connects with badges that focus on safety, the environment, and emergency skills.

The Public Health Merit Badge also adds variety to the program. Some badges teach outdoor skills, others teach trades, and some explore careers. This badge gives Scouts a chance to study health issues that affect daily life. It helps them see how simple actions can protect a whole community, which adds balance to their merit badge journey.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Public Health Merit Badge fits well into the goals of Scouts BSA because it helps Scouts become stronger leaders. They learn how health decisions affect others and how to share helpful information. This builds confidence and clear thinking, which are important in leadership roles.

The Public Health Merit Badge also supports fitness, citizenship, and personal growth. It teaches smart habits that support a healthy lifestyle. Scouts also learn how communities work together for safety. This helps them grow into responsible citizens who understand how to care for others.

What is the Public Health Merit Badge about?

The Public Health Merit Badge teaches how communities stay healthy. It explains how diseases spread and how they can be stopped. It also shows how people work together to protect others.

Why should I earn the Public Health Merit Badge?

The Public Health Merit Badge helps you understand how health decisions affect your school and town. It builds awareness and helps you become a more responsible leader.

Do I need science experience for the Public Health Merit Badge?

No. The Public Health Merit Badge uses basic ideas. You learn step by step. It is made for Scouts of many ages and skill levels.

What skills will I learn from the Public Health Merit Badge?

You learn how to study problems, think clearly, and look for causes. You also learn how teamwork helps keep people safe.

How does the Public Health Merit Badge help in real life?

It helps you make good choices during sickness or emergencies. You understand why good habits matter. You also learn how to help others stay healthy.

Can the Public Health Merit Badge help with future careers?

Yes. The Public Health Merit Badge introduces fields like medicine, nursing, research, and safety planning. It can help you see what interests you.

Is the Public Health Merit Badge hard to earn?

It takes effort, but it is clear and manageable. If you stay organized and ask questions, you can complete it without stress.

The Public Health Merit Badge helps Scouts understand how a community protects itself from sickness. It explains how people stay safe through good habits, clean spaces, and simple steps. Scouts learn that public health is not just for experts. It is something everyone supports each day.

The Public Health Merit Badge also shows how diseases spread. Scouts learn how germs move from place to place and how actions can slow them down. This helps them make smart choices at school, at home, and during activities.

Another part of the Public Health Merit Badge teaches how groups work together. Scouts see how doctors, scientists, and leaders all play important roles. They learn that teamwork makes a community stronger and safer.

Scouts who earn the Public Health Merit Badge gain skills they can use for life. They become more aware of health issues around them. They also learn how to help others stay healthy, which fits well with the values of Scouting.