Park Rangers as Public Health Educators: A National Park Service Initiative

Background: Ranger-led interpretive programs inspire and educate the public and are a highlight for many visitors of the National Park System. These programs represent unique opportunities for visitor education regarding zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, injury prevention, and other public health issues.

Methods: In 2007, we announced a service-wide call for proposals encouraging rangers to develop and implement interpretive programs with at least one-third content addressing public health education. Interpretive staff were encouraged to choose public health topics germane to the park or local area and, where possible, to incorporate other subject areas (e.g. history, culture, ecology).

Results: Of 32 proposals, 16 (50%) were funded and received a mean award of $8,890. Topics included diabetes, heat-related illness, volcanic gas emissions, and historical and current water-borne diseases. Most proposals (75%) involved collaborations with at least one non-NPS organization. Anecdotally, programs have been well-received by the public and staff. Results from a web-based evaluation will be described.

Conclusions: Park rangers are a non-traditional group for disseminating public health information to general audiences. Expansion of this initiative—through partnerships with CDC, state/local health departments, and other health organizations—should be considered.