Chapter 24. When you go to a doctor for regular checkups and immunizations, you participate in the...

SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC

Chapter 24

SECTION 1 – THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

When you go to a doctor for regular checkups and immunizations, you participate in the healthcare system.

Healthcare system – includes all available medical services, the ways in which individuals pay for medical care, and programs aimed at preventing disease and disability.

*Within the healthcare system, doctors work with nurses and other healthcare providers to

care for patients.*

DOCTORS

Primary Care Physicians (PCP) - take care of most people’s routine medical needs. *Most primary care physicians are medical doctors who have specialized in one of three areas: 1.Family Practice

2.Internal Medicine

3.Pediatrics (Children’s medical care)

After medical school and further training, a doctor must pass the medical licensing test of the state in which he or she intends to practice.

Once licensed, a doctor can diagnose medical conditions, provide treatment, and write prescriptions for medications.

Diagnosis - is a doctor’s opinion of the nature or cause of a medical condition.

Prescriptions – is a written order to a pharmacist authorizing that a patient be given a particular medicine.

DOCTORS (CONTINUED)

MEDICAL SPECIALISTS

If a doctor is not planning to become a PCP, he or she usually specializes in one area of medicine.

Medical Specialists – is a doctor who has received additional training in a particular branch of medicine.

MEDICAL SPECIALISTS (CONTINUED)Medical Specialists include: Neurologists treat nervous system disorders Dermatologists treat skin disorders Oncologists treat cancers Allergists treat allergies and other immune disorders Pediatricians Provide primary care for children Orthopedic surgeons treat bone and joint disorders

Ophthalmologists treat eye diseases

NURSES

Nurse – are licensed healthcare providers who work in collaboration with doctors to care for patients.

Different types of nurses

Registered nurses (RN)

1. observe and assess patient symptoms, plan best approach to promoting recovery and evaluate progress

2. Counsel patients of all ages ways to stay healthy and prevent

injury .

NURSES (CONTINUED)

Nurse Practitioners

1. Trained to do many tasks that only doctors used to Perform such as : Take medical history

Perform physical exams Order tests Treat routine medical problems Prescribe medications

**When nurse practitioners see patients for routine medical needs, they may be referred to as primary care providers.**

A nurse practitioner usually works with a doctor.

OTHER PROVIDERS

A variety of healthcare professionals provide services that complement the work of doctors and nurses.

Physician assistants – perform many tasks that previously done by doctors.

Tasks include: Take medical history Performing physical exams Prescribing medications

*Physician assistants work under the supervision of a doctor*

Physical therapists - help patients with arthritis, muscle pain, fractures, burns, strokes, or sports injuries.

Supervise exercise programs and may use heat and massage to relieve pain and improve strength and mobility.

Registered dietitians - sometimes called nutritionists, may set up and supervise food services for institutions such as hospitals. They may also provide nutritional counseling to patients in a healthcare facility or in private practice.

OTHER PROVIDERS (CONTINUED)

HEALTHCARE FACILITIESHealthcare facilities include doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals and long term care centers.

These facilities offer different levels of care:

Healthcare Facility CareDoctors’ office Called Primary Healthcare – the most frequently used healthcare facility, Can be in a hospital or private building. Here doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants do:

1. Routine exams and test to diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries 2. Minor surgery, such as removing a wart

Healthcare Facility CareClinics When a medical test of procedure cannot be performed in a doctors’ office a person may go to an outpatient facility. Clinic is a facility in which in which primary healthcare is provided by one or more doctors and other healthcare providers. A variety of tests and surgical procedures can be performed at clinics

Outpatient – is a person admitted to a clinic for tests or treatments that not require an overnight stay.

Outpatient care is less costly than a hospital stay.

HEALTHCARE FACILITIES (CONTINUED)


Healthcare Facility CareHospitals Diagnosis and treatment of serious disorders require the service of a hospital.

Hospitals are equipped to provide healthcare services requiring complicated procedures

Most hospitals also have emergency Departments to treat sudden conditions or injuries

Secondary Healthcare – healthcare that is given to a patient in a hospital


Hospitals provide overnight accommodations for patients who need it.

Inpatient - a patient that is required to stay in a hospital overnight or longer.

The patient’s PCP and specialists (surgeons) visit the patient every day to note progress and adjust patient’s care.

Types of Hospitals:

General Hospital – hospitals that treat patients of all ages and with all kinds of illnesses Specialty Hospital - specialize in treating one age group or one type of disorder.Teaching Hospital – Doctors train medical students and other healthcare providers at these hospitals.

Tertiary Healthcare - care provided in specialty hospitals and teaching hospitals


Healthcare Facility CareLong-Term Care provide services for patients with a variety of medical needs

Facilities Care Provided

Skilled Nursing Patients recovering from surgery, illness, orFacilities injury may require basic nursing care for an extended time before returning to their homes. A skilled nursing facility provides care for people in these situations.

Assisted Living People who can no longer live by themselves,Facilities but do not require constant nursing care, may live in assisted living facility. These facilities provide help preparing meals, housekeeping, and taking medications.


Facilities Care Provided

Nursing Home Nursing homes provide long-term care for elderly or chronically ill people who cannot care for themselves.

Home-Health Some patients who need long-term care are Care cared for in their own home. The medical care is provided by nurses who visit the person’s home.

Hospice A special kind of nursing care is available for patients who are terminally ill. This care called hospice, is usually given in the home. Hospice care focuses on helping a dying patient live as comfortable as possible.

TECHNOLOGY & HEALTHCARE

The internet, e-mail, and other technologies can make healthcare more efficient, and can make patients feel more involved in their care.

The Internet and E-mail

Many people today gather health information on the internet.

Some doctors appreciate that their patients are better informed. Others however, worry that patients can get incorrect or biased information.

Doctors often spend time with patients correcting misconceptions that stem from information the patients found on the internet.

Should never rely on information you find on the internet without first discussing it with your doctor.

TECHNOLOGY & HEALTHCARE (CONTINUED)

Some doctors now use e-mail to communicate with their patients about non-emergency health issues.

Benefits:

1.Patients and doctors no longer need to be free at the same time to discuss things, as was the case with the telephone.

2. There is also a written record of the communication, unlike telephone calls.

**However, not everyone else is comfortable communicating private healthcare via e-mail


Computerized Imaging

Many imaging techniques, including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, are performed with computerized equipment.

Digital images allow doctors to share a patient’s results more easily with other specialists.

This can allow for quicker or more accurate diagnoses.

Robot Doctors In a growing number of hospitals, doctors

can make virtual visits to their patients.


Electronic Health Records Patients benefit when their body scans, test

result, or medical records can be shared efficiently between providers.

A doctor being able to access the patient’s records quickly could save patient’s life.

Lawmakers are pushing for nationwide electronic health records that will allow the efficient treatment of patients – no matter where they are when they get injured or become ill.

Electronic health records could also cut down on medical mistakes that are sometimes made when a provider does not have access to a patient’s medical history.

SECTION 2 – PARTICIPATING IN YOU HEALTHCARE

Up to now, adults have probably made most of the decisions about your healthcare. As you grow older, however, you will take on these responsibilities for yourself. So knowing some basics about your healthcare choices help you choose what is best for you.

CHOOSING HEALTHCAREChoosing your doctor is one healthcare responsibility that will eventually be yours. Deciding what doctor to see for routine healthcare deserves careful consideration. After all, you want your healthcare delivered by qualified people with whom you feel comfortable.Finding a Doctor Tips one should use for finding a doctor who is suits your needs.1. Ask for Recommendation Start your search for a

doctor by asking family members, friends for recommendations. You could also ask the opinions of other healthcare providers you know, such as your school nurse.

FINDING A DOCTOR (CONTINUED)

2. Do your research Check American Medical Directory, this

directory lists the names of doctors, the year they received their medical degree, their areas of specialization and whether or not they are board certified. Board certified physician has completed 3 or more years of additional training and has passed a certification exam.

3. Identify your Preference What are your preferences, Do you want

a young doctor or prefer an older one? Would you be more comfortable with a male or female doctor? Do you want a doctor with an outgoing personality or one who is more reserved.

THE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTHave you ever put off seeing a doctor because you were afraid of getting a shot or dread getting undress for the examining room? You are like many other people. Instead try thinking of a doctor’s appointment as an opportunity. A visit to you doctor allows you to find out more about your body and prevent future health problems.Reducing Anxiety at the Doctors office

Write down your questions before going to the doctor.

Bring along a family member or a friend for support

Share your questions and concerns for your doctor.

Take notes during the visit.

Ask for an explanation if you don’t understand something

THE DOCTOR APPOINTMENT

Step 1 of Appointment

Take your Medical History which includes:

1. Record your present and past medical history

2. Record health members of your familyStep 2 of Appointment

Physical Examination: Head–to–toe check of your body to identify any medical problems you may have.

THE DOCTOR APPOINTMENT (CONTINUED)

Doctors also may do:

Measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and body temperature

Check your skin, eyes, ears, nose, and throat

Listen to your lungs and heart

Check your muscles and bones, including your arms, legs, hands, and feet for signs of joint swellings or bone problems

Check your nervous system

Check your spine for abnormal curvature

Test your reflexes, balance, and coordination

THE DOCTOR APPOINTMENT (CONTINUED)

If the doctor finds a medical condition requiring attention the doctor will discuss it with you.

The doctor should explain:

1. What the condition means

2. Terms of treatment

3. Testing involved

4. Short-term and long-term effects

The medical examination should also include:

Time for you to ask questions

* getting answers to questions about your body will help you participate more fully in your own

healthcare.*

YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIESYou have certain rights as a patient. In 1998, the United States Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry adopted the Patients’ Bill of Rights.The Patients’ Bill of Rights

Information You have the right to accurate and easily understood

information about your healthcare. If you speak another language, have physical or mental disability, or just don’t understand something, you will be provided with assistance.

Choice You have the to a choice of healthcare providers and

to high-quality healthcare.

Access If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness

that may put your health in serious danger, you have the right to emergency care whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.

YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIESThe Patients’ Bill of Rights (continued)

Participation You have the right to know your treatment options

and to participate in decisions about your care. Respect You have the right to

considerate, respectful, and nondiscriminatory care from your healthcare providers.

Confidentially You have the right to talk in confidence with

healthcare providers and to have your healthcare information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical record.

Complaints You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review

of any complaint you have against your healthcare providers or facilities.

YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIESYour ResponsibilitiesAs a patient you also have certain responsibilities. You must fulfill these responsibilities in order to receive the best healthcare possible. Ask your doctor about anything that concerns your

health.

Most doctors expect questions.

If a doctor seems annoyed by your questions, it would be wise to look for

another doctor.

Answers your doctor’s questions honestly.

Information about symptoms, medications you are taking, and any

activities or behaviors that may affect your health or treatment are important for your doctor to know.

The more information you can provide, the more likely your doctor can

provide an accurate diagnosis.

YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Your Responsibilities (continued)

Doctors and other healthcare providers vary in their attitudes, professional styles, and how they relate to people. If you are not satisfied with services provided by a doctor or clinic, you do not have to continue there. Receiving good healthcare means being satisfied with the medical as well as the personal treatment you receive.

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE

Out-of-Pocket pay for all of your own medical expenses Can be very expensive

Health Insurance pays for a major part of an individual’s medical expenses

Some companies offer health insurance options to their employees and their families.

Individuals can also purchase their own health insurance.


Managed Care Insurance Currently, the most commonly held health insurance plans in the United States Managed care plans characteristically have a network of

doctors who agree to provide healthcare at lower costs.

Members are encouraged to see only doctors within the plan’s network.

Premium – plan members pay a monthly or yearly fee Copayment – whenever they visit a doctor, they may also

be required to pay a small fee

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARETypes of Managed Care Insurance:

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO):

1. The most common manage care plan.

2. Members of an HMO choose a PCP who provides routine care.

3. PCP makes referrals to specialists within the network when necessary.

4. HMOs usually only cover the cost of health services provided within the network.

Point Of Service Plans (POS):

1. Like HMOs, point of service plans require you to choose a PCP

2. The difference is the PCP may refer you to a specialist outside the network.

3. However, to see a doctor outside the network, you would have to pay a higher copayment.


Types of Managed Care Insurance: (continued)

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO):

1. PPO also has a network of doctors.

2. The preferred providers- who charge reduced fees to plan members.

3. Unlike HMOs and POS plans, however you can see a specialist without a referral.

4. PPO covers services by out-of-network doctors but at a higher cost to the patient.

5. In general, PPOs are more expensive than HMOs and POS plans, but they allow more flexibility.


Traditional Insurance:

Traditional health insurance plans offer more flexibility managed care plans because you can see any doctor at any facility you choose. However, this flexibility comes with a price. Your out- of- pocket costs are likely to be substantially higher in a traditional, or a fee-for-service, plan than in a managed care plan.

Premium Members pay a monthly premium

The insurance company guarantees to pay the person’s medical expenses for the year within set limits.


Deductible Members are required to pay the first part of their medical expenses each year. This fixed amount, must be paid before the insurance company begins paying for covered procedures. Example: insurance plan has a $300 deductible. You will have to pay the first $300 of your medical expenses for the year. Once your medical expenses exceed $300 the insurance company starts to pay its portion of the medical bills.

Traditional Insurance: (continued)

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARETraditional Insurance: (continued)

Percentage Covered After patient has paid the deductible, traditional plans general Pay only a certain percentage of the rest of the year’s medical expenses.

Example: insurance may cover only 80% of the cost of a vision exam. The remaining amount is the patient’s responsibility.

Services Not Covered Some medical procedures and services are not covered by traditional plans

It is very important to understand which medical services are covered and which are not.

If you have a procedure that the policy does not cover you must pay the whole bill

PAYING FOR HEALTHCAREGovernment-Sponsored Insurance:

Some people in the United States cannot afford private health insurance and are eligible for government health insurance programs.

Medicare – federally financed insurance program for people age 65 and for younger people who are disabled or who have chronic kidney disease.

Medicaid – a state program that pays for the healthcare of people whose incomes are below a certain level.


Rising Healthcare Costs

Many factors that contribute to the rising costs of healthcare in the United StatesAn Aging Population: The growing population of elderly Americans is a major force in driving up costs.

People live longer on average that they used to

The result is a growing number of people who are likely to need extensive medical services

Taxpayers of all age contribute to federal programs such as Medicare that provide healthcare to older Americans

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARERising Healthcare Costs: (continued)

Chronic Diseases The increasing incidence of chronic diseases Such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes affects all Americans.

When individuals require more and more medical care, health insurance companies must raise everybody’s premiums to offset the extra costs.


Prescription Drug Costs The research and development of prescription drugs is very expensive, and this cost is usually passed on to consumer.

One way to relieve some of the burden is to use generic drugs.

Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but they usually cost significantly less.

Unfortunately, there is not a generic version of every brand-name drug.

Rising Healthcare Costs: (continued)

SECTION 3 – PUBLIC HEALTH

What is Public Health? Suppose that you could find no clean drinking water. What if restaurants were not required to be clean and pest-free? What if children could attend school without being immunized against serious infectious diseases? These are all matters that would affect public health.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health – is the study and practice of protecting and improving the health of people in a group or community.

The Public Health System – includes all the government and private organizations that work with the public to prevent disease and promote positive health behaviors.

PUBLIC HEALTHThe History of Public Health Throughout history, people associated disease with unclean or

unsanitary conditions and took measures to promote cleanliness.

The ancient Hebrews, for example, established rules for the

sanitary preparations of foods. The ancient Romans built efficient systems to supply people

with clean water and to remove wastes. In Europe during the middle ages, cities became crowded with

people and animals, and their wastes. Epidemics swept across Africa, Asia, and Europe. One of the

only ways people knew to combat these disease outbreaks was through quarantine.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Quarantine – is a period of isolation imposed on people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease.

Quarantine prevents people who may be infected from spreading the disease.

PUBLIC HEALTHNew Understandings

The latter half of the 1800s Scientists began to understand that

microorganisms cause many diseases. 1850, London physician John Snow studied

an outbreak of cholera, an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Dr. Snow learned that all of the outbreak

victims had drunk water from the same well. He was to show that the well was contaminated with cholera-causing bacteria.

PUBLIC HEALTH

The Early 1900s

Vaccines against a variety of serious diseases became available.

The U.S. government launched nationwide programs to immunize the public

As a result , the incidence of many infectious diseases, such as measles, was greatly reduced.

The field of epidemiology has also contributed to new understandings in the field of public health. Epidemiologists look for patterns in the occurrence of infectious and chronic diseases. Their findings are used to develop policies and programs for disease control and prevention.

Epidemiology – is the study of disease among populations.

Epidemiology look for patterns in the occurrence of infectious and chronic diseases. Their findings are used to develop policies and programs for disease control and prevention.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health Goals Today

The public health system continues to combat infectious disease, but also seeks to prevent a broad range of other health problems.

Public health programs today emphasize the need for prevention in order to avoid disease and other health problems.

Many public health problems today relate to people’s behaviors.

For example: drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, obesity, violence, and child abuse are major public health problems related to people’s behaviors.

The Department of Health and Human Services, of HHS , is a major public health agency in the U.S.

HHS developed an important public health document, Healthy People 2010, that identifies prevention as the key to improving the health of all Americans.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health in the United States As the United States has grown and changed, so have its public health needs. The public health system today addresses many more problems than ever before.

Most programs, however, fall into one of three main categories.

1. Fighting Chronic Diseases As in most countries with high

standards of living, deaths from chronic diseases exceed those from infectious diseases in the U. S.

Today, many public health programs emphasize the importance of behaviors such as regular exercise and proper nutrition to reproduce people’s risks of many chronic disease.

PUBLIC HEALTH2. Helping Populations at Risk One of the greatest challenges in public health is to provide services to high-risk populations. High-risk populations are groups of people who, because of age, economic conditions, or some other factor, are more likely to contract a particular disease or disorder than the general population.

3. Safety & Environmental Health Many public health regulation focus

on safety issues in all areas of society.

Safety Standards, for example, must be met in the workplace, in the design and constructions of buildings, in the transportation industry, and in many household and medical products.

Environmental Concerns, for example there are laws that limit pollution levels from industries and motor vehicle.

PUBLIC HEALTH

The Federal Government

The federal agency with the widest range of responsibilities for public health is the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS provides many services, including:

Sponsoring health research and education

Compiling and analyzing health information

Setting health and safety standards

Supporting state and local health departments

Funding programs for people in need of public health services.

Federal Public Health Agencies(Department of Health and Human Services)1. Administration for children and

FamiliesAdministers programs that improve the lives of children low-income families and people with disabilities

2. Administration on Aging Provides services to older persons and their caregivers

3. Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality

Promotes improvements in the practice of medicine, the organization and financing of healthcare, and access to quality care

4. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry

Investigates and assesses risks to human health from hazardous materials

5. Centers for disease control & Prevention (CDC)

Collects data and conducts research on nearly all types of diseases, disorders, and disabilities.

6. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Supervises Medicare and Medicaid

7. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Inspects, tests, and assesses the safety of food, drugs, and a variety of consumer goods.

8. Health Resources & Service Administration

Funds health services and resources for underserved populations such as migrant workers, people with aids, and homeless people.

9. Indian Health Service Provides comprehensive healthcare for Native Americans

10. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Serves as the primary biomedical research facility of the federal government; provides grants to support medical research at institutions throughout the country.

11. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Supports programs that prevent and treat substance abuse & mental illness. It assists states, communities, & healthcare facilities in substance-abuse & mental-health services.

Federal Public Health Agencies(Department of Health and Human Services)

Other Federal Agencies Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

In the Department of Labor, identifies occupational hazards and enforce laws requiring minimum safety standards on the workplace.

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

IS responsible for inspecting and grading meat, poultry, and other agriculture product; manages nutrition programs such as school-lunch programs and food stamps.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Protect the public from environmental hazards; enforces laws that regulate pollution and sets standards for safe levels of exposure to toxic substances and radiation.

PUBLIC HEALTHState GovernmentThe Federal government depends on the states to carry out programs to meet public health objectives. States distributes federal funds to meet its public

health objectives.

These agencies the carry out specific health programs, such as drug rehabilitation and prenatal care.

Most states have several departments or agencies involved in public health. State Departments of: Public Health, mental health, rehabilitation, environmental health, and social services, are common examples.

State health departments are also responsible for other services needed to maintain public health within the state. For example, they inspect healthcare and food-handling facilities; test water, food, and medical samples; compile health statistics; and monitor pollution levels.

PUBLIC HEALTHLocal Government

In most states, public health services are provided directly by local health departments. Their services are usually free or have a fee based on a person’s income.

Local Health departments are also responsible for enforcing state health codes.

Health Codes - are standards established by state for certain factors that affect health, such as water quality, sanitation in restaurants, and sewage treatment facilities

Local Health departments also collect vital statistics.

Vital Statistics – the number of births and deaths and the numbers and kinds of diseases that occur within a population.

PUBLIC HEALTHLocal Health Department Services Insect control for prevention of mosquito-borne

diseases Counseling for people with drug or alcohol

problems Testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted

infections Health Education Prenatal Care Immunizations Screening for tuberculosis, high blood pressure,

cholesterol, and diabetes. Home Health services for people confined to their

homes.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Private Organizations Many private organizations play important roles in providing public health services. Some of these are national organizations. Other exist only at the local level, in the communities they serve. A number of national organizations raise funds to support specific health causes. You may be familiar with organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and March of Dimes. Funds raised by these and other organizations pay for medical research, health services, and educational programs. In most communities, churches and other community-based organizations offer public health services. These organizations offer public health services. These organizations may run programs such as food banks, counseling services, training programs, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters.

SECTION 4 – GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Why Are Global Efforts Important?

Global Efforts provide services and funding to developing nations that might not otherwise have the resources to make their public health programs succeed.

In times of crisis, people around the world work together to combat public health problems in developing nations.

Developing nations - are countries with weak economies and low standard of living. 75% of the world’s people live in developing countries.

Many suffer from serious health problems.

GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH

International Health Organizations

International health organizations work in developing nations to overcome public health problems such as malnutrition, lack of basic medical care, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water.


The United Nations

A number of United Nations agencies are directly involved in improving the living conditions of people in developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO)

Send people trained in medicine, agriculture, water quality, engineering, and other health related skills to countries in need.

WHO workers seek to boost food production and prevent diseases through education and immunization program.

WHO also collects worldwide health statistics to evaluate and predict future health threats.

GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTHUnited Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Focus on programs that aid children, such as immunization programs, day-care and health centers, and school food programs

UNICEF also runs training programs for nurses and teachers

International Committee of the Red Cross The world’s largest private international public health

organization.

Began in 1859 to aid victims on the battlefield

The Red Cross organizes assistance anywhere in the world for victims of disaster.

The organization provides medical care, food, water, clothing and temporary shelter.


The Agency for International Development The United States agency for International Development (USAID) was established to provide support for developing nations.

Major Focus of this support is the distribution of food to countries stricken by famine.

USAID also funds programs for immunizations, medicines, sanitation, healthcare, training, and treatment of dehydration.

Dehydration resulting from diarrhea is the major cause of death among young children in developing nations.


The Peace Corp The Peace Corp is a United States government organization that trains volunteers for public health work in developing nations. The work volunteers do depends both on their

backgrounds and training and on the needs of the countries that invite.

Volunteers may help improve agricultural techniques, provide healthcare, construct shelters, or improve sanitation and water supply systems.

In addition to health programs, some Peace Corp

volunteers serve as advisors in the areas of education, technology, business, and industry.


Other Agencies The governments of many countries sponsor agencies that provide international public health assistance. Also, a number of privately supported organizations provide health services worldwide. Examples:

Oxfam International is known for its work in providing clean water and sanitation services in disaster areas.

The Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) provides healthcare, food, water, and emergency assistance to refugees and disaster victims.

Many Churches and missionary groups provide hospital, disease-prevention and relief.

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