The Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN) is a new organization; however it has a rich history. It began as the Association of State & Territorial Directors of Nursing (ASTDN) in 1935 as an advisory group of state health department nurses. The organization has grown over the years and continues today as active organization of public health nurses from across the United States and its Territories. APHN is an affiliate of the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and is a member of the Quad Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations. APHN works to protect and promote the health and safety of the public by fostering high public health nursing practice standards, promoting and providing educational opportunities, and advancing the public health nursing role.