The Role of Community Public Health

We speak with Rebecca Nelson. She is the community engagement strategic advisor for Columbus Public Health. We thought as we started to get a better hold on the pandemic and COVID-19, that it might be a good idea to visit the public health.

Many of us were not aware of all that is accomplished by Columbus Public Health. However, we have learned this department did not just “pop” out of thin air when the pandemic hit. Rebecca gives us the background of Public Health, the historic role it has played, and the mission and vision it encompasses today.

Many people likely assume that the only thing being done at Public Health is testing, tracing and vaccines for COVID-19. But there are many programs that target safety overall, not just “diseases." We're talking about safe drinking water, food safety, and safe workplaces.

We have the technology for vast educational programs today, to help families to overcome illness. Rebecca gives us a glimpse of the ways Public Health has attempted to better educate our citizens and the barriers they’ve had to shatter.

Public Health at the local, county, state and federal level has saved lives not only during this pandemic, but also for decades. It seems, however, that this situation was more confusing, particularly in the beginning. Confusion was created on what steps we should take, and what to expect.

Health care is not a straight line. We talk about the development of public health educational strategies. Updating and revising those strategies is critical so that providing information to citizens on health issues can be carried out.

When we are examining the health care system in the U.S., it seems to be critical that the various levels work together. Although it has been difficult to keep the virus in check, and there were a few bumps in the rollout, the vaccine implementation seems to be working.

Rebecca suggests numerous ways Central Ohioans can better work with Public Health. After all, we want the next health crisis to be more manageable! We need to educate ourselves, our family members and neighbors.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.