Jamie Bromley-Turner, RN, BSN What is the definition of health? Does health disparity exist even today? Global nation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin i Public Health Institute t County Health Rankings Action planning Assistance when needed A Scream (not call) to action Scotland County s plan of attack health: noun, often attributive 1 a: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially : freedom from physical disease or pain b: the general condition of the body <in poor health><enjoys good health> 2 a: flourishing condition : WELL-BEING <defending the health of the beloved oceans Peter Wilkinson> b: general condition or state <poor economic health> Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/health 1
1 : the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly : the state of being sound in body or mind <dental health><mental health>; especially : freedom from physical disease and pain <nursed him back to health> compare DISEASE 2 : the condition of an organism with respect to the performance of its vital functions especially as evaluated subjectively or nonprofessionally <how is your health today> Not always in the most obvious ways Global Nation Cultural norms Transcultural l competence From large urban cities to rural communities this newest buzz word global nation is being used on a daily basis now Prime example is the Ebola outbreak in Africa has reached the United States, intentionally The perceived threat has caused many to question their safety 2 successful air transports of American missionaries for treatment Is the perceived threat merely because of media coverage or fear of the illness 2
Health care and public health professionals have an obligation to understand the culture of their community And the CULTURES that live in their community 2 perfectly acceptable tbl definitions dfiiti of health We understand them, eat, live, and breath them even Yet we often, unknowingly, are blinded by differences in the concept of health Cultural competence is a combination of culturally congruent behaviors, practice attitudes, and policies which afford the use of interpersonal communication, relationship skills, and behavioral flexibility to work effectively in cross cultural situations Lancaster & Stanhope, 2012 If Public Health professionals do not incorporate cultural competence: We risk increasing the gap in racial and health disparities between minority and majority populations Barriers are created that further limit equitable access to care We are doing so unintentionally and unknowingly 3
Key statistics Population: 36, 094 Area: 321 sq. miles Founded in 1899 Unemployment rate: 11.6% Median household income: $31, 995 Scotland County decided several years ago that we would not entertain consolidation of the Public Health Department and Social Services Board of Health Comprised of 11 members 1 MD, 1 Dentist, 1 Optometrist, 1 Veterinarian, 1 Registered Nurse, 1 Pharmacist, 1 County Commissioner, 1 Engineer, and 3 Public Representatives Health Director acts as Secretary but is not a voting member 4
Scotland County Laurinburg, NC Our Public Health Director introduced our board to County Health rankings as a tool It was not for several months did the Board of Health receive the data and we were horrified Our county ranked 98 out of 100 for Health Outcomes Our county ranked 99 out of 100 for Health Factors ranks We the board found these figures appalling, embarrassing, and undeniably unacceptable Immediate focus was placed on ways we could improve our ranking as it directly correlated to the health of our community 5
Community as Major Stakeholder The community is much a stakeholder in their health as are the Public Health Department and public health professionals The time had come for the removal of the disconnect between the BOH and the community- something was not working Health defined and perception of health not in balance Health Summit Part1 Focused on identifying top 2 priorities to work on Obesity and Cardiovascular health were chosen It was apparent that even with defined meanings of health that we had a county that was experiencing a major problem with health literacy Efforts have begun to poll the county and together create one Community definition of health Grant writing for county-wide survey County campaign- Healthy Scots 2016 Logo, billboard, car stickers, and other marketing materials Only until we have cultural competence and a singular definition of health by the people and for the people will a county board be successful and make gains in the health of their community New Challenge Reinforced the need to govern and lead our county Bringing our BOH kicking and screaming to a new level Incorporating the 6 Functions of Public Health Governance into the culture of our board 6
Many thanks to NALBOH for the opportunity to speak with you today! 7