What does it mean to uphold “Public Health Elevated” when our field is faced with challenges? In November, I reminded our readers that being on the defense is familiar territory for public health and now, it is increasingly commonplace. More than ever, it is essential that we lean into our values while reaching out to explain why public health is essential to all Coloradans. In December, I wrote about how public health will be widely discussed in the coming months and years; and that part of talking about public health is listening, without judgment, to concerns and questions from others, while our work remains rooted in evidence, fact, practice, and relevant to our many audiences. After all, who doesn’t want clean air and water or safe environments or protection from illness? As public health professionals, we have unique insights and stories to tell. It is our duty to be a trusted source and impartial in our research and recommendations.
This month, the concept of health equity is under scrutiny . However, I think it is important to talk about health equity is and what it means to all of us. In the simplest terms, health equity means everyone has a fair chance at being healthy. Health equity does not favor one group over another. Health equity is not a concept along race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or political lines.
Examples of health equity work include drought research that helps farmers in the San Luis Valley and Northern Colorado, air quality research in public schools will benefit all students, mental health interventions alleviate stressors on people who cannot live productive lives or who are in danger of harming themselves or others, policy research on how Medicaid effects on rural hospital closures (often the only source of care for an entire community), and my own work that examine ways to reduce burden from cancer, which is the leading cause of death among Coloradans. Who doesn’t know someone with a cancer diagnosis? Similarly, everyone knows someone with a child in the public school system. In fact, you may fit into both of those categories. Health equity is inclusive, not exclusive, and public health addresses the needs of the entire population.
The second part of health equity is the notion of a “fair chance.” This means if you are diagnosed with cancer, you have the same access to state-of-the-art treatment options as anyone else. It also means the same opportunity to practice preventive behaviors, whether those behaviors aim to ensure a healthy birth outcome or prevent becoming sick from the flu. The chance to act on those behaviors is the same, regardless of who you are or your zip code. Health equity, or simply put, a fair chance at being healthy, is the core tenet of public health, and it is something we work towards and train our students to develop and implement programs and to evaluate programs based on research at the population level.
ColoradoSPH continually contributes to scientific evidence, and supports an infrastructure focused on prevention, and further, we evaluate healthcare delivery systems so that they are accessible and deliver evidenced-based care. Our goal is to support an environment where all people have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy life so that they can ultimately thrive in other areas of life, including employment, entrepreneurship, parenting, governing, and be contributing members of society.
I know many of you come from different places and share a range of perspectives. We, nonetheless, share a common goal of health. ColoradoSPH is unwavering in its commitment to this goal. I acknowledge the uncertainty everyone feels when sweeping changes are made. Therefore, I would like to share some thoughts on moving forward.
Our faculty and staff, many of whom are fully supported by grants, are notably and justifiably worried about a change in funding priorities. My message is to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. Whether you support research, administration, workforce development, or community engagement, your work is essential to our success. Continue to write grants and develop research. Be resourceful in your partnerships and never write anything for a single purpose. Your federal grant application may also align with a foundation, state agency, or a donor’s wish. Your class lecture may be the material for an editorial that can have an even broader reach. What you say in a classroom may be beneficial to a community group or give sage advice to our elected representatives. Do not retract. Expand our science and practice. We must learn to operate under a variety of circumstances as our science endures.
Our students are the future. My message to students is you have the chance to course-correct where we went wrong and build upon what we did right. You will have new tools, like AI and data analytics, at your fingertips as you launch your career. You will have the benefit of reflecting on this time, which may turn out to be an inflection point. You can shape what I believe will be a long and productive career ahead, marked by meaningful impact. You are here to change the world, and never lose sight of that.
Our partners. This is an opportunity for greater alignment so that we work together towards goals that serve the betterment of public health. We are committed to being an ever-present part of the community and remain steadfast in making the world a healthier place to thrive. As leaders in the community, we aim to strengthen access to healthcare, protect workers, and support families and communities. And, we need you at our side every step of the way.
These actions will improve the health of us all. Everyone wants a health care system where they can see improvements that are evidence-based, grounded in science, and proven in practice.
This is Public Health Elevated.