390: Impact of Community on PH, Indigenous Data Justice

ROBERT JOHNSON:

This is Public Health Review Morning Edition for Monday, April 3, 2023. I'm Robert Johnson.

Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

National Public Health Week kicks off today with a focus on the importance of community. This is Kentucky's public health commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack.

STEVEN STACK:

We really do rely on the contributions of others in society: rely on the people to grow our food, to produce our food, to make sure that we have fuel for our cars, to make sure that our cars are fixed and operating. In much the same way, we rely on public health to make sure that our environment is as safe and free of risks and threats as is reasonably possible and public health to help contain infectious disease where people could get severely hurt.

JOHNSON:

Stack says the idea of community was tested during the pandemic.

STACK:

COVID is just such a well-known example because we've all lived through such uncommon times the last few years. But all of us rely on each other. And I think we need to take a step back sometimes and just remember and reflect on how interconnected we really are in today's modern society. And hopefully find ways, again, to look for the opportunities, for activities and participations that unite us rather than divide us; to see our neighbors as our friends and as our colleagues, not as our adversaries and opponents.

JOHNSON:

Stack says a stronger sense of community can improve health outcomes.

STACK:

It should be that all persons have the opportunity to reach their full human potential; and we focus a lot on trying to help vulnerable populations who are often overlooked and left behind so that they can have the same opportunities that others do. So, it's a real privilege to be part of this community as we try to support everyone across our population.

JOHNSON:

The American Public Health Association has identified seven themes to examine this week. We'll cover each one of them through next Tuesday here on the newscast.

You can read more about National Public Health Week using the link in the show notes.

ABIGAIL ECHO-HAWK:

Indigenous data justice is something that every single person, every single state, every single county, every single territory should be participating in.

JOHNSON:

Abigail Echo-Hawk is director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, previewing her presentation at ASTHO's upcoming Health Equity Summit in Atlanta later this month.

ECHO-HAWK:

Indigenous data justice is focused on ensuring that indigenous peoples are represented in the data so that we can make good decisions in where we're allocating resources and where we should be directing policy.

JOHNSON:

Echo-Hawk says there's no doubt about data's impact on good health outcomes.

ECHO-HAWK:

When we have the right data, when we have the right stories, we then have an opportunity to see not only where the strength and the resiliencies of a community or a people are, but we also have the opportunity to identify where we can improve and make the most meaningful contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of those people.

JOHNSON:

You can get more information and sign up to attend the Health Equity Summit using the link in the show notes.

Also today, ASTHO has issued a statement supporting the EPA's plans to address PFAS chemicals often found in drinking water. There's a link to the statement in the show notes.

ASTHO President Dr. Anne Zink and CEO Mike Fraser are talking about the public health workforce in an online event hosted by Health Affairs tomorrow, April 4. The event begins at noon Eastern time. You can register to attend using the link in the show notes.

ASTHO also has curated a collection of resources for agencies looking to support their workforce. The PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center is online now. Look for that link in the show notes as well.

Finally this morning, an ASTHO alum who now holds a leadership position at the CDC is celebrated in a new video interview. O'Keyla Cooper has more.

O’KEYLA COOPER:

ASTHO's Leadership Trailblazer series recognizes innovative public health leaders who are reshaping the field.

Today, the spotlight is on ASTHO alum Dr. José Romero. In an interview with ASTHO, Dr. Romero discusses his accomplishments as the former Arkansas Secretary of Health and his role as Interim Director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Reflecting on his own professional experience, he also shares specific steps to increase diversity in the public health workforce. Watch the full video interview using the link in the show notes.

JOHNSON:

That'll do it for today's newscast. We're back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information.

I'm Robert Johnson. You're listening to Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.