Public health is carried out by a large, interconnected network of organizations and community partners. This lesson explores how these groups work together, the roles of several major organizations, and how collaboration can address shared health challenges.
The public health system is the network of organizations and people working to protect and improve health across populations. It includes government agencies, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, health care organizations, and community-based partners. These groups share data, resources, expertise, and programs.
All flashcards
Public health system
A network of organizations and people working to protect and improve health across populations.
Positive return on investment in public health
Value gained through benefits such as preventing illness, reducing avoidable costs, and supporting community participation.
Notifiable disease
A disease that must be reported to public health officials under applicable state or local law.
Population health
Health outcomes for groups of people and the factors that influence those outcomes.
Public health surveillance
Collection and analysis of population health information to guide decisions and action.
Quiz questions
How does the CDC support public health during outbreaks?Answer: It supports disease surveillance and provides mitigation guidance.
How does reporting a notifiable disease to the CDC differ from reporting it to public health officials?Answer: Reporting to officials is required under applicable state or local law; reporting to the CDC is voluntary.
Which activity most directly reflects the NIH's role in public health?Answer: Supporting research that tests interventions and builds evidence for practice.
What does a positive return on investment in public health mean?Answer: Program benefits can create value, including by preventing illness and avoidable costs.
Which approach is a sound part of nursing advocacy for public health funding?Answer: Connect community needs with evidence, program outcomes, and resource decisions.
Based on Population Health for Nurses by Jessica Ochs, Sherry L. Roper, Susan M. Schwartz (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.