Benjamin Snow
Public Health representatives:
Nancy and Phyllis from the Washington State Department of Health
While many issues are common throughout
the world, there are some that have been recent and specific to Washington. For
example, I learned that the department has recently investigated about 600 reported
cases of whooping cough. They have a system of surveillance and a lab dedicated
to the prevention and resistance of infectious diseases. Through combined
efforts they were able to discover the outbreak, and take measures to try and
prevent this disease from spreading. Prevention and anticipation are key to
stopping widespread outbreaks.
I also realized that many of the
biggest issues regarding public health are common in all parts of the country.
While waiting to speak with a representative, I listened on hold to two
different warning ads regarding the negative effects of smoking. This is an
issue of people being responsible and accountable for their own health choices.
It is an issue that we can address by improving education on the topic.
Ultimately, however, the choice is up to the individual. We are all responsible
to do the very best we can to make correct choices regarding our health.
One of the most important areas
of public health is regarding maternal and infant health. The Washington State
Department of Health keeps track of birth and death data of both mother and
child. This need to track the data stems from the concern that any death during
childbirth is a tragedy, and all steps must be taken to determine causes and
establish preventive measures. To better track trends and determine causes, the
patient data is recorded at city and state levels. The Department of Health studies
these trends in order to better determine causes of mother and baby mortality so
that they may improve the quality of the care received.
One public health concern that I
had not previously considered has little to do with the actual health of the
population, but with the system itself. Just like any department or business,
money is necessary for adequate completion of objectives. Departments of Health
in the country require funding to satisfactorily conduct studies and search for
solutions. A lack of funding can cause important sections of the departments to
go understaffed. It can also result in a lack of resources needed to complete
studies or follow through on results. Lack of resources is one of the major
concerns of Public Health officials trying to improve the health of the
population.
Cleanliness in hospitals was also
one of the concerns of public health in Washington. This might have a relation
to disparities and economic status of certain parts of the state. The
department tracks the mortality rates of certain patients (for example women
who give birth) based on which hospitals they go to and where in the state
these hospitals are located. Cleanliness, hygienic practices, and quality of
care can all vary depending on where one goes to receive medical attention. Striving
to maintain the highest standards of hospital cleanliness and care is an
important issue which will improve the health of the population.
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