Public Health/Healthy Communities
Why is public health and the health of our community so important?
One of Consumer Health Coalition’s three advocacy priorities is the issue of Public Health and Healthy Communities. This has special implications for the city of Pittsburgh, a city working to revitalize itself following difficult years after the demise of the steel industry. The health of our community, and the role of health in developing human capacity, is a vital part of successful redevelopment in Pittsburgh. Health cannot be considered a byproduct of regional development, but as an important component of the revitalization agenda. CHC is championing the issue of Public Health and Healthy Communities not only to provide support for the current public health issues of the region, but also to see the region into a healthy future for its community and community members.
Why focus on the public health system in Allegheny County?
Our current public health system is in a state of crisis. Seventy of 75 department managers at the Allegheny County Health Department submitted a petition to County Council in September 2006 stating that they do not have the resources to conduct the essential functions of a Health Department. Some of these roles include conducting recommended food safety and school inspections, educating the community about STD prevention, and monitoring our air and air pollution sources. If our county does not have adequate resources to provide the community with these types of health safety measures, we are all at-risk, or in a sense, “uninsured.”
Why is a consumer voice so important to public health?
Two major public health issues have been getting a lot of attention from policymakers lately, especially the Allegheny County Council. The issues are: 1) the funding shortage for the County Health Department; and 2) the ordinance to ban smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Health Department professionals and members of the medical community (i.e. doctors, researchers, nurses) have been particularly active at County Council hearings. However, there is a very important voice that is missing in these discussions—YOURS!
It is very important to policymakers and lawmakers what consumers — particularly ones that are their constituents — think. They need to hear your personal stories and understand why public health and the health of our community is important to YOU. Think about the importance of clean air and water in your life, or how wonderful it would be if all Pittsburgh neighborhoods had safe recreation areas for children to play outside. Do you believe preventing disease and promoting health is essential? Policymakers need to hear from YOU to understand why these issues are crucial.
How can I get involved?
Consumers have a critical and fundamental role in the movement towards Healthy Communities – the future health of our communities depends on those devoted to making it a better and healthier place to live. If you are interested in joining the movement towards a better Public Health system and Healthier Communities, please call 412-456-1877!