One of the basic principles of public health that often gets overlooked is that the process of understanding and defining health problems is not the same as devising solutions to those health problems. In Chicago we have been involved in two seemingly unrelated efforts that can have substantial public health and medical benefits. The first involves a campaign to dramatically expand public transit in the Illinois and especially in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. As the campaign has some successes, we have seen some initial improvements in access to health care for both children and the elderly. In the long term expanded transit will have a significant impact on the location of businesses, clinics, health care facilites, etc. The second campaign has focused on working conditions in immigrant and low income communities. Addressing substandard working conditions has an immediate impact on the specific workers but also has had an impact on their families and communities through better access to services (including screening and vaccinations), more resources toward addressing housing and pollution issues, etc. See www.clcr.org
Learning Objectives: 1. Will learn how understanding and addressing economic factors especially labor market issues and infrastructure issues can better address some "public Health problems" than direct "solutions". 2. Will be able to recognize the connection between certain economic issues and public health problems and be able to analyze those connections. 3. Will be able to better direct resources to address public health problems.
Keywords: Community Health, Immigrants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.