On Monday an email from a former student asked for the quote we used when facilitating an inter-disciplinary course in public health.
He said, you need to share the passage to give a context for public health.
“To what extent am I/ are we willing to contribute (or sacrifice) so someone we do not know, and will never meet, can have access to the kind and quality of life, health, education, housing, and safety we would want for a loved one?”
Public health it is about the interconnectedness of family, community, and our world.
Public health is not just about vaccines, testing, or medical care.
Public health encompasses multiple professionals from:
Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety
Policy and Law
Epidemiology
Biostatistics
Communications
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Community Nursing
Behavioral Health
Prevention
Child Care
Exercise Science
Nutrition
Affordable Housing
Agriculture
Food Safety
Transportation
Education
Hospital Administration
Community Health Centers
Justice and Law Enforcement
Philanthropy
It is ironic many are being introduced to the profession through the practices of social distancing and isolation. The truth is we are in this moment together… globally and we always have been. This is not a virus with borders or blame, it is our shared personal responsibility.
The core issue at this moment is how we think about people outside of family and friends. Our individual action, complying with science-based directives, or not complying, will make all the difference.
Sacrificing for and contributing to those we might never meet is the only way we will bring the virus under control. Openness, kindness, respect, and generosity is the path to safety and a shared future.
