Changes in health have occurrrred throughout the United States. In order to create a public health program and develop skills as professionals; these changes, their causes and impacts must be analyzed. This group investigated these changes through a vast search of information to create a new, ecological approach to the development of a public health program. To reduce disparities that occur in health, and to meet individuals needs, a shift needs to be made in how professionals and the public view health. This search was initiated by dividing "health" into smaller components: disease prevention, health promotion, culture and gender, environmental health, disability and health across the lifespan. This six dimensions of health were infused into each component search. Internet, professional literature review, popular genre search and a comparison/contrast with current public health programs generated critical issues to address in an ideal public health program. Upon synthesis of this material, we discovered that collaboration within the University and a transdisciplinary approach, as well as an integrated, holistic perspective of health, was crucial to meet the needs of populations that we will be serving as professionals. This unique, diverse public health program will work to eliminate disparities by teaching public health students to include all mechanisms that effect health, individual and societal. Diversity, a lifespan approach and the view of health as a process are crucial to the development of our nation's health.
Learning Objectives: 1) Participants will identify current public health trends as related to the six dimensions of health including critical issues within these trends. 2) An ecological approach to public health will be defined . 3) Critical issues, an ecological perspective and trends will be used as tools to facilitate examinations by other programs of public health and professionals. 4) Participants will learn how the Internet, popular genre, professional literature and existing programs of public health expose the critical issues surrounding the field
Keywords: Public Health Movements, Professional Preparation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Nevada, Reno
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Graduate Assistantships for all authors