Chapter 7: Community Health

Slide 3 – Introduction to Community Health

• Community: A group of people who interact to support each other and share common interests → creates a sense of unity/belonging.

• Types of communities:

  • Family, school, workplace, town/city, state, nation, world.

  • Special groups like a retirement home or a health maintenance organization (HMO).

• Demography: The study of populations—looks at:

  • Population size & growth.

  • Racial/ethnic distribution.

  • Economic opportunities.

  • Indicators of health and development potential.

Slide 4 – Introduction #2 (Community Health & Influencing Factors)

• Community health:

  • The overall health status of a population as a whole.

  • Monitored using Leading Health Indicators (national health goals/statistics).

• Key factors that influence a community’s health:

  • Birth, morbidity, and mortality rates (illness & death).

  • Teen pregnancy rates.

  • Immunization coverage.

  • Prevalence of infectious diseases and cancer.

  • Crime rates and juvenile justice statistics.

  • High school graduation rates.

  • Poverty levels (living below the federal poverty threshold).

  • Population density (crowding).

  • Domestic violence rates.

  • Availability of adequate housing.

Slide 5 – Healthcare Worldwide #1

• World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Sets international health standards for sanitation, chemical safety, water purification, immunizations, and infectious disease control.

  • Goal: Help countries improve basic healthcare services through growth and governmental changes.

  • Sends healthcare professionals to nations to fight diseases at both the community and individual level.

  • Addresses issues like smoking, diet, and mental health.

Slide 6 – Healthcare Worldwide #2

• WHO (continued):

  • Works with other healthcare and non-healthcare agencies to provide disaster relief after natural disasters.

• UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund):

  • Provides care for children in developing countries.

  • Key programs include:

    • Nutrition instruction and development of low-cost food supplements.

    • General education support.

    • Immunization programs.

    • Procedures for safe water supply.

    • Infant rehydration programs to prevent dehydration from illness.

Page 7

Question #1

• Question: Is the following statement true or false? WHO strives to help countries that have difficulty providing basic healthcare services to their citizens.

Page 8

Answer to Question #1

• Answer: True

• Rationale: WHO’s objectives are to emphasize growth and development of significant internal, governmental changes in countries that currently have difficulty providing basic healthcare services to their citizens.

Slide 9 – United States Public Health Service (USPHS) #1

• Background: Established in 1798 to protect and improve the health of U.S. citizens.

• Main functions:

  • Investigate and control communicable diseases.

  • Protect against diseases brought by immigrants.

  • Enforce sanitation standards.

  • Prevent disease spread through interstate commerce (between states).

  • Regulate the manufacture and sale of biologic products (like vaccines).ChatGPT said:

    Slide 10 – United States Public Health Service (USPHS) #2

    • Key achievements:

      • Development of vaccinations to prevent disease.

      • Improved motor vehicle safety standards.

      • Safer workplace regulations.

      • Control of infectious diseases through surveillance and prevention.

      • Declines in deaths from coronary artery disease and stroke.

      • Safer, healthier food supplies.

      • Better outcomes for mothers and babies.

      • Recognition of tobacco use as a major health hazard.

    Slide 11 – United States Public Health Service (USPHS) #3

    • Life expectancy improvements:

      • Increased from about 45 years in the early 1900s to around 78 years today.

    • Note: Some ethnic and racial disparities in health outcomes still remain despite overall progress.

Slide 12 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) #1

• Overview:

  • A highly versatile U.S. executive agency under the President.

  • Responsible for a wide range of national health programs and services.

• Current priorities include:

  • Health Insurance Marketplace (helps people find affordable coverage).

  • Affordable Care Act implementation.

  • Mental health support and resources.

  • Stop Bullying initiatives.

  • Be Tobacco Free campaigns.

  • Food safety regulations.

  • Encouraging vaccinations to prevent disease.

Slide 13 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) #2

• Additional priorities:

  • Flu prevention campaigns.

  • Programs to raise healthier kids (nutrition & activity).

  • Open Government at HHS (public access to information).

  • Efforts to stop Medicare fraud.

  • HHS Digital Strategy – improve online access to health resources.

  • Support for military families.

  • Fighting HIV/AIDS through education and prevention.

Slide 14 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) #3

• Key agencies within HHS include:

  • Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

  • Administration for Community Living.

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Slide 15 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) #4

• More key agencies within HHS:

  • Indian Health Service (IHS) – healthcare for Native American tribes.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – mental health & addiction treatment.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – disease prevention & control.

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – ensures safety of food, drugs, and medical products.

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) – medical research.

  • National Health Information Center (NHIC) – provides reliable health information to the public.

Slide 16 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) #1

• Mission: Promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

• Roles and functions:

  • Monitor health trends across the U.S. and globally.

  • Detect local, national, or international outbreaks or signs of bioterrorism.

  • Investigate and respond to disease outbreaks quickly to protect the public.

Slide 17 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) #2

• Additional roles:

  • Conduct research to improve disease prevention.

  • Enhance prevention programs and strategies.

  • Promote healthy behaviors (exercise, nutrition, vaccines).

  • Foster safe and healthy environments (clean air/water).

  • Provide accurate, current health information to the public.

  • Protect the public through direct actions (vaccination campaigns) and indirect actions (education, partnerships).

  • Build cooperative relationships to fight environmental hazards.

Slide 18 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) #3

• Global Disease Detection Centers:

  • Located around the world to rapidly respond to infectious outbreaks.

  • Help identify new diseases, track their spread, and assist with treatment and containment.

Slide 19 – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) #1

• Mission: Protect and promote public health by ensuring safe and effective products reach the market quickly and stay safe over time.

• Responsibilities:

  • Monitor the safety, effectiveness, and quality of:

    • Human & veterinary drugs

    • Tobacco products

    • Vaccines and biologics

    • Medical devices

    • Electronic products that emit radiation

    • Cosmetics and dietary supplements

    • Certain food supplies

  • Perform inspections, surveillance, lab studies, and public education.

  • Note: FDA reviews products but does not develop or test them itself.

Slide 20 – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) #2

• Major accomplishments:

  • Requires new drugs and complex medical devices to be proven safe before public release.

  • Reviews or updates performance standards for many products.

  • Enforces blood banking safety practices.

  • Requires accurate, truthful labeling for prescription drugs, OTC meds, foods, and dietary supplements.

Slide 21 – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) #3

• Additional accomplishments:

  • Conducts scientific research to guide regulatory decisions.

  • Sets standards and guidelines for product safety.

  • Can request or require recalls of unsafe products to protect the public.

Page 22

Question #2

• Question: Is the following statement true or false? The CDC and FDA are agencies within the jurisdiction of the USPHS.

Page 23

Answer to Question #2

• Answer: False

• Rationale: The CDC and FDA are two of the agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The USPHS was a forerunner for HHS; however, Congress decided to create HHS as one of the executive agencies of the president.

Page 24– National Institutes of Health (NIH) #1

• Role: The nation’s primary medical research agency.

• Goals:

  • Make medical and scientific discoveries to improve health and save lives.

  • Support research that leads to new treatments and disease prevention.

• Structure:

  • Includes 27 separate institutes, centers, and offices, each focusing on specific areas (e.g., cancer, heart disease).

• Main activities:

  • Conduct research on site and through universities, hospitals, and medical schools.

  • Train research investigators.

  • Promote improved sharing of medical information to the public and healthcare providers.

Slide 25 – National Institutes of Health (NIH) #2

• National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) – established 1993.

  • Recognizes nursing as a unique and vital part of healthcare.

  • Provides separate funding for nursing research.

  • Supports studies to create a scientific basis for nursing care across the lifespan.

Slide 26 – National Institutes of Health (NIH) #3

• NINR key focus areas:

  • Managing clients during illness and recovery.

  • Reducing risks for disease and disability.

  • Meeting the needs of underserved or high-risk populations.

  • End-of-life care and support for clients and families.

  • Promoting family-centered care within communities.

Slide 27 – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) #1

• Part of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

• Mission: Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

• Key accomplishments:

  • Set safety and health standards for all workplaces.

  • Created standards for blood-borne pathogen exposure in healthcare.

  • Published regulations to protect construction workers.

  • Developed ergonomic standards to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Slide 28 – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) #2

• Developed criteria and education to protect healthcare workers at all levels.

• Key areas include:

  • Standard precautions and transmission-based precautions for infection control.

  • Fundamental procedures for safe handling of hazardous materials.

  • Mandates that all healthcare agencies create policies, procedures, education, and training for staff on workplace safety.

Slide 29 – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

• Role: Subdivision of the U.S. Department of Labor.

• Functions:

  • Helps manage worker’s compensation programs.

  • Provides financial compensation to employees injured at work or who develop a job-related disease.

  • Operates under federal supervision, but employers must contribute to the funding.

Slide 30 – Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Status: Independent agency since 1995 (separated from HHS).

• Services:

  • Provides retirement income for eligible individuals (usually 62 or 65+ years old).

  • Offers financial assistance for people of any age with disabilities or special handicaps.

  • Oversees Medicare and Medicaid support programs.

Slide 31 – USDA: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• USDA responsibilities:

  • Control of insect- and animal-borne diseases.

  • Inspection of meat and other foods.

  • Oversight of school lunch programs.

• WIC Program:

  • Provides nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

  • Goal: Improve health of mothers and infants by offering food support and education.

  • Many states also have their own Department of Agriculture (DOA) to help administer programs.

Slide 32 – National Safety Council (NSC)

• Mission: Educate and influence society to adopt safety, health, and environmental practices to prevent accidents and economic losses.

• Key actions:

  • Gather and analyze safety data across the U.S.

  • Identify causes of accidents and suggest preventive measures.

  • Share findings to influence public opinion and behavior in safety and health issues.

Slide 33 – The Red Cross and the Red Crescent

• Origins: Began as a group to help injured soldiers during war.

• Grew into the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

• Known as the Red Crescent in some countries (symbol varies by culture).

• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) partners with many global agencies.

• Millions of workers assist with humanitarian activities, including aid for prisoners of war and other combat-related needs.

Slide 34 – The American Red Cross

• Founded: 1881 by Clara Barton.

• Scope: Provides national and international services.

• Key services:

  • Armed forces emergency services.

  • Biomedical services (blood donations, testing).

  • Community services (disaster relief, shelter).

  • Health and safety services (CPR training, first aid).

  • International humanitarian services.

Page 35

Question #3

• Question: Is the following statement true or false? The American Red Cross only provides emergency services to armed forces.

Page 36

Answer to Question #3

• Answer: False

• Rationale: The American Red Cross also provides biomedical services, community services, health and safety services, and international services. Providing services to the armed forces was the reason for the development of this organization.

Slide 37 – Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)

• Type: Nationwide, not-for-profit, community-based home health and hospice care agency.

• Service locations: Client’s home, senior residence, board-and-care home, or even a homeless shelter.

• Care provided to: Anyone, regardless of ability to pay.

• Types of services:

  • Skilled nursing and physical therapy.

  • Maternal and child care.

  • Medical social work and pain management.

  • Hospice and private duty nursing.

  • IV and enteral therapies, and enterostomal therapies (stoma/wound care).

  • Both therapeutic (treating illness) and preventive services.

Slide 38 – Organizations Related to Specific Diseases

• Examples of groups that focus on prevention, research, and support for certain illnesses:

  • American Cancer Society – cancer research, education, patient support.

  • National Society for the Prevention of Blindness – vision preservation.

  • American Heart Association – heart disease and stroke prevention.

  • American Diabetes Association – diabetes education and management.

  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – research and family support.

  • National Easter Seal Society – services for people with disabilities.

  • March of Dimes – prevention of birth defects and infant mortality.

Slide 39 – Organizations That Promote Specific Health Goals

• Planned Parenthood of America – family planning, STI prevention, reproductive health education.

• La Leche League – supports maternal and newborn health by promoting breastfeeding and providing guidance for nursing mothers.

Slide 40 – Healthcare at the State Level #1

• State health laws:

  • Must follow federal laws, but states can create their own as needed.

• Funding:

  • Comes from both federal and state sources.

• Responsibilities:

  • Oversee programs for aging, children’s health, families in need, mental health, and special populations.

  • Address alcohol and substance abuse, environmental health, communicable diseases, and safety/disability issues.

  • Many state agencies work closely with federal agencies to deliver services.

Slide 41 – Healthcare at the State Level #2

• Licensing & certification:

  • Provide requirements for healthcare professionals and ancillary providers (e.g., lab techs).

• State health departments:

  • Serve as consultants to local health departments.

  • Help ensure local services meet state and federal standards.

Slide 42 – Healthcare at the Local Level

• Jurisdiction: City, town, or county health departments.

• Operations: Usually run by the Department of Health under a Board of Health or Public Health Service.

• Services provided:

  • Monitor food safety, water quality, housing standards, sewage and waste disposal, and air quality.

  • Offer school health services, health education, community clinics, and sometimes hospital or nursing home care for residents.

Slide 43 – The Community Health Center #1

• Purpose: Provide integrated, accessible healthcare close to target populations.

• Funding: Often supported by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• Also called: Primary healthcare centers.

• Services offered:

  • Physical screenings, maternal/prenatal care, specialized exams.

  • Testing for lead poisoning, TB, and STIs.

  • Immunizations and prenatal services.

• Target groups: Subgroups of the community with special or unique healthcare needs.

• Location: Built close to the populations served for easier access.

Slide 44 – The Community Health Center #2

• Public health centers: Similar to community health centers but operate under the state’s Public Health Department.

• U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS):

  • Oversees Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

  • Provides care in Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) to improve access for vulnerable populations.

Slide 45 – The Environment — Pollution

• Ecology (bionomics): Study of how living beings and the environment interact.

• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Federal agency that works to control environmental problems and maintain ecological balance.

• Pollution: Contamination of the environment that disrupts this balance and threatens health.

• Maintaining a healthy environment is a complex and ongoing challenge.

Slide 46 – Air Pollution

• Forms: Can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases; may be natural or man-made.

• Common sources:

  • Industrial areas, motor vehicle exhaust, smog.

  • Natural gases, volatile organic compounds, toxic metals, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ammonia, particulate matter.

• Health effects:

  • Increases risk of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

  • Irritates eyes, nose, throat and can damage plant life.

• Indoor pollution: Contaminants inside buildings are also a concern.

Slide 47 – Secondhand Smoke

• Definition: Environmental tobacco smoke from others’ smoking (includes e-cigarettes and vaping).

• Risks:

  • Even small amounts can harm health.

  • Especially dangerous for children, increasing risk of lifelong respiratory conditions.

• Regulations: Many facilities are now smoke-free; some allow only designated smoking areas.

Page 48Slide 48 – Water Pollution

• Health hazard: Serious and increasing threat to human health.

• Effects:

  • Spreads diseases (waterborne infections).

  • Destroys ecologic balance in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

  • Pollutants enter the food chain, posing danger to vulnerable groups.

  • Example: Mercury contamination—especially dangerous for pregnant women and developing babies.

Slide 49 – Land Pollution

• Cause: Increased population → more trash and garbage.

• Concerns:

  • Encourages recycling to reduce waste.

  • Building homes on old landfill sites can expose residents to disease.

  • Radon gas can become trapped in buildings and increase risk of disease.

Slide 50 – Noise Pollution

• Hazards:

  • Loud noise can damage ear structures and lead to hearing loss.

  • Chronic exposure causes stress and other health issues.

• Protection:

  • OSHA requires ear protection in certain workplaces.

  • Ear protection is also recommended for loud recreational activities (concerts, shooting ranges, etc.).

Slide 51 – Other Types of Pollution

• Oil spills: Kill fish/wildlife and destroy ecosystems and food sources.

• Hazardous substances on clothing: Workers can unintentionally carry toxins home, exposing families.

• Lead poisoning (plumbism): Found in old paint, lead pipes, vehicle exhaust, and even newspaper ink.

• Radiation: Concerns over nuclear fuel use and safe disposal of radioactive waste.

• Biohazardous waste: Infectious materials that require proper disposal by all medical team members and facilities according to OSHA and local regulations.

Page 52

Question #4

• Asthma is most often caused by which type of pollution?

  • a. Air pollution

  • b. Land pollution

  • c. Noise pollution

  • d. Water pollution

  • e. Radiation

Page 53

Answer to Question #4

• Correct answer: a. Air pollution

• Rationale: Air pollution is linked to increases in respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.