The Basics of Public Health

Brenda M. Joly, PhD

Maine Center for Public Health

Overview

• Format

• Questions to be addressed:– What is public health? – What is a public health system?– Why take a public health approach?– Can public health make a difference?

Learner Objectives

• By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to…

1. Define public health

2. List the determinants of health

3. Identify one example of local or state public health practice

What is Public Health?

• Definitions vary

• Key terms– Population health– Prevention

Public Health in the US

~Vision~Healthy People in Healthy Communities

~Mission~Promote physical and mental health

and Prevent disease, injury, disability

Public Health…

• Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease

• Protects against environmental hazards

• Responds to disasters and assists communities in recovery

Public Health…

• Prevents injuries

• Promotes healthy behaviors

• Assures the quality and accessibility of health services

A Public Health System

• Who?– Public entities– Private entities– Voluntary entities

• What?– A network

The Public Health System

MCOs

Home Health

Parks

Economic Development

Mass Transit

Employers

Nursing Homes

Mental Health

Drug Treatment

Civic GroupsCHCs

Laboratory Facilities

Hospitals

EMS Community Centers

Doctors

Health Department

Churches

Philanthropist

Elected Officials

Tribal Health

Schools

Police

Fire

Corrections

Environmental Health

Workforce

• Diverse and Multidisciplinary• Examples…

Biostatisticians

Dieticians

Environmental Health Specialists

Behavioral Health Specialists

Core Components

ASSESSMENTof the health of the community

ASSESSMENTof the health of the community

ASSURANCEof the public’s

health

ASSURANCEof the public’s

health

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

in the public’s interest

10 Essential Services

1. Monitor health status to identify community health problems

2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and

health hazards in the community

10 Essential Services

3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues

4. Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems

10 Essential Services

5. Develop policies and plans that support health efforts

6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety

10 Essential Services

7. Link people to personnel health services and assure the provision of health care

8. Assure a competent public health and health care workforce

10 Essential Services

9. Evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of services

10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems

Public Health Approach

Public HealthModel

Medical Model

Versus

Determinants of Health

Determinants of Health

• Genetic• Behavioral• Social• Environment

al• Personal

health care

Achievements

• Vaccination

• Safer Workplaces

• Safer & Healthier Food

• Motor Vehicle Safety

Achievements

• Control of Infectious Diseases

• Family Planning

• Decline in Deaths from Heart Disease & Stroke

Achievements

• Recognition of Tobacco Use as a Health Hazard

• Healthier Mothers and Babies

• Fluoridation of Drinking Water