Question

Public health is an essential function of the government on a par with, and for reasons similar to, national defense and law enforcement. Specific public health needs, such as sanitation systems and clean water, cannot be met by individuals acting alone. The government is required to organize community efforts as well as compel cooperation when necessary; otherwise, individuals would be free to benefit from, but not contribute to, the resulting public good.

Considering the above, respond to the following:

• What are the key roles for government in serving the public’s health? Why?

• Give examples and reasons in support of your responses.

• Write your initial response in 300–500 words.

Answer 1

Public health is one of the greatest things in which a government can invest. Early prevention, which is relatively inexpensive, can prevent dire and expensive health care problems later in life.

Public health promotes the welfare of the entire population, ensures its security and protects it from the spread of infectious disease and environmental hazards, and helps to ensure access to safe and quality care to benefit the population.

Governmental responsibilities for public health extend beyond voluntary activities and services to include additional authorities such as quarantine, mandatory immunization laws, and regulatory authorities. The state's partnership functions by encouraging residents to do things that benefit their health (e.g., physical activity) or create conditions to promote good health, and requiring certain actions (e.g., food safety).

Areas of Public Health Responsibility

The areas of public health responsibility include (1) assuring an adequate local public health infrastructure, (2) promoting healthy communities and healthy behaviors, (3) preventing the spread of communicable disease, (4) protecting against environmental health hazards, (5) preparing for and responding to emergencies, and (6) assuring health services.

The federal government acts in six main areas related to population health: (1) policy making, (2) financing, (3) public health protection, (4) collecting and disseminating information about U.S. health and health care delivery systems, (5) capacity building for population health, and (6) direct management of services ...

Examples of proposed federal actions to reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety are provided to illustrate the 10 roles: (1) purchase health care, (2) provide health care, (3) ensure access to quality care for vulnerable populations, (4) regulate health care markets, (5) support acquisition of new knowledge

Local governments have the ability to promote health in their communities through healthy community design, parks and recreation facilities and healthy living programs, health-related policies.