Health programs aim to improve the health of populations. They can take a variety of forms, from education campaigns to the development of new medicines. The underlying principles are similar, however: a commitment to reach a large number of people, with a focus on prevention rather than cure; the use of simple technical packages that can be easily adapted for local conditions; and an emphasis on cost effectiveness. Achieving these goals is often complex and challenging. There is often a delicate interplay between moral outrage that demands that everything be done for everyone and practical limits on resources, institutional capacity, health care system quality, the ability to change behavioral patterns, and political will.
A key factor in the success of health programs is how well they are able to change health-damaging behaviors. For example, workplace health programs often aim to reduce employee smoking rates by providing smokers with resources and support groups to help them quit. The programs also encourage employees to be physically active and to eat healthy meals at work. This can have a positive impact on the health of the entire organization.
Similarly, community education programs can target health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity by teaching patients how to manage these diseases. These programs can decrease emergency room visits by educating patients about disease management and helping them to avoid complications. They can also increase the health literacy of patients and their families by promoting better understanding of medical terminology and procedures.
Although many of these community health programs are implemented by government agencies, a growing number are being led by private organizations and non-governmental entities. These programs are primarily funded through grants and are designed to reduce inequalities in the delivery of healthcare, promote healthy lifestyles and increase access to basic medical services for low income citizens. These programs may be a good starting point for those seeking to become involved in the field of public health.
The role of a health educator is to identify and address health education needs and concerns in schools, communities, health care settings and the workplace. They can write funding proposals; research, develop and evaluate education methods; provide information on disease prevention and self-care; conduct training for health care providers and staff and participate in community health projects. Health educators can be certified in a variety of ways, including with a bachelor’s or associate degree and with specialized certifications.
Those who are interested in working in the field of healthcare can find many career opportunities by taking advantage of fast-track programs that allow them to enter allied healthcare careers without completing a traditional four-year college program. Many of these programs offer the potential to gain valuable work experience while laying the groundwork for future advancement to positions with more responsibilities and higher salaries. Some of these programs are offered by colleges, universities, professional societies and accrediting agencies. They can lead to careers in a variety of healthcare-related fields, from nutrition and exercise counseling to health administration.