Public Health is for Everyone! 

“Prevent, Promote, Protect” is the tagline of public health. These principles guide the work done at local and state health departments. Public health workers strive to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and protect all people and communities from hazards. The work is not as straightforward as it may sound since some communities are more impacted by certain factors than others. Many non-medical factors can impact the health of a person or community and these are known as social determinants of health. These determinants, or factors, include the physical environment; access to healthcare; and economic, educational and social resources. 

The physical environment is where someone lives or works. Some neighborhoods were built to include sidewalks, parks and other safe areas for physical activities. Others emerged in places where people don’t have these advantages and may be more exposed to air or water pollution. Trying to improve one’s health by taking a walk in a neighborhood that lacks sidewalks or safe outdoor spaces, or has air pollution, invites other health and safety risks. Eating nutritious foods is more difficult in neighborhoods without a local grocery store or market. Individuals and communities that face these obstacles need different considerations to achieve health. 

Access to healthcare is exactly what it sounds like— are people able to see a healthcare provider when they need one? This factor involves not only how many healthcare providers are available and if there is a waiting list, but also if people have convenient transportation to the provider. Many areas in the United States are experiencing difficulties today with having enough healthcare providers, the Hudson Valley included. Less populated areas, including Putnam, also have challenges related to transportation. Large healthcare practices in Putnam have been trying to remedy the access situation by hiring more primary care providers and opening more urgent care centers. Some organizations, including the health department and other government agencies, are aware of the transportation issues and have begun discussions on how to address this. These systemic issues take collaboration and time to improve. 

Economic, educational and social resources of an individual or a community also impact health. Today some people report not seeing a physician because they can’t afford the co-pays or coinsurance, for a variety of reasons including limited access to higher paying jobs. If someone is worried about paying the mortgage or the rent, it becomes a greater challenge to take care of the recommended health screenings and care.  Some individuals also lack access to quality education and may be unaware of how to identify reputable sources of health information, or problem solve health issues. One important way health department staff work towards equity is by improving information access. Services and materials to individuals whose first language may not be English is improved by offering linguistically and culturally appropriate services to all community members. Individuals with visual or hearing impairments are also considered by incorporating alternative text in images and creating flyers to reach a range of literacy levels. Cultural competency training for staff supports these efforts and a language line is available 24/7 to ensure that most individuals who come to the health department can communicate. Community context impacts health as well. Areas lacking financial and human resources such as volunteers may not be able to support or have access to non-profit agencies that provide low-cost or free care and services when needed. Putnam is fortunate to have many dedicated community organizations and a strong sense of volunteerism that helps lessen the burden of inequities in certain areas.