Introduction to Public Health: Explaining Its Role in Disasters
Objectives By the end of this section, the participant should be able to: State the mission of public health Describe the role of public health in disasters
What is Public Health? The mission of public health is to promote health, prevent disease and prolong life This mission is applicable to all health threats, including disasters Public health s focus is on population health
Public Health: Closer Look Substance: Organized community efforts aimed at the prevention of disease and promotion of health. Organizational Framework: Formal structure of government and private/voluntary organizations and individuals.
Public Health Objectives Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease Protect against environmental hazards Prevent injuries Promote and encourage healthy behaviors Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery Assure the quality and accessibility of health services The American Public Health Association http://www.apha.org/ppp/science/10es.htm
Public Health vs. Medicine Public Health Medicine Patient Intervention Process Outcome Entire Populations Assess, Policy Dev.& Assurance System Management Healthy Community Individuals Medical, Surgical Treat. Patient Management Healing
Public Health Core Disciplines Behavioral Sciences/Health Education Biostatistics Environmental Health Epidemiology Health Services Administration
Related Disciplines Biomedical/Laboratory Practice International Public Health Maternal and Child Health Program Management/Practice Preventive Medicine Public Health Nursing Occupational Health Safety
Essential Services of Public Health Monitor health status Diagnose and investigate Inform, educate, and empower Mobilize community partnerships Develop policies and plans
Essential Services of Public Health Enforce laws and regulations Link people to needed services / assure care Assure a competent workforce Evaluate health services Research
The Public Health System Most cities and counties are covered by a health department city, county/parish or regional Workforce is made up of a wide-range of professionals epidemiologists, health educators, physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, administrators, environmental health technicians Medical Reserve Corps is an extension of the public health system
The Public Health System Federal Agencies State Agencies Local Agencies
Public Health s Many Partners Police EMS Community MCOs Centers Health Department Churches Corrections Home Health Parks Schools Doctors CHCs Laboratory Facilities Hospitals Drug Treatment Philanthropist Civic Groups Tribal Health Mental Health Elected Officials Employers Nursing Homes Environmental Health Economic Development Mass Transit Fire
Achievements in Public Health What are some of the major achievements in Public Health?
Major Achievements of Public Health (1900-1999) Vaccination Chlorination of Water Motor-vehicle Safety Safer Workplaces Control of Infectious diseases Decline in Death from Coronary Heart Disease & Stroke
Achievements, Continued Safer and Healthier Foods Healthier Mothers and Babies Family Planning Fluoridation of Drinking Water Recognition of Tobacco Use as a Health Hazard
Recent Focus Bioterrorism and Chemical Training Disaster Preparedness Response Training Disaster Planning Mass Vaccination/Shelter Planning
Disaster Management Cycle Preparedness Mitigation Response Recovery
Preparedness Public Health Role in Preparedness: Provide immunizations Control and prevent outbreaks Identify types of disasters and conduct hazard assessments Use community assessments, epidemiology, and data analysis to limit morbidity and mortality Cooperate and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to disasters Provide the public with education and training in disaster preparedness
Response Public Health Role in Response: Detect victims Provide care Organize services and treatment Establish disease control measures (Isolation and Quarantine)
Recovery and Mitigation Public Health Role in Recovery and Mitigation: Provide long term health and mental health services Manage injuries Use records to update response plan