Institution: Midwest Center for Lifelong Learning in Public Health

Course Description: This course presents basic public health concepts, including:

•  The principles of public health
•  Essential services of public health
•  Importance of collaboration across governmental and private sector entities
•  Achievements and future challenges of public health
•  Cultural competency

Application of these elements is stressed through two case studies:

•  Public health emergency response to an anhydrous ammonia spill
•  An American Indian community that is faced with increasing obesity and diabetes rates among school-aged children

At the conclusion of this module, the learner will be able to:

•  Identify the core functions of public health and their impact on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of disease and injury.
•  Describe the principles, core functions and essential services of public health used by public health professionals in the performance of their roles.
•  Summarize the contribution of public health in improving the health of communities and populations.
•  Identify the role of public health in emergency preparedness and response.
•  Describe how public health principles and concepts are applied in culturally diverse settings to maximize effectiveness in specific populations.

Target Audience: Administrators, allied health professionals, community leaders, communication specialists, dentists, dietitians, environmental health professionals, educators, health educators, health officials, laboratory professionals, law enforcement, media, mental health professionals, military personnel, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, planners, policy makers, public health professionals, researchers, sanitarians, social workers, students, substance abuse professionals, veterinarians, elected officials, administrative staff

Resource Format: Online course

Time Requirement: 2.5 hours

More Information: More information is available at http://cpheo.sph.umn.edu/cpheo/mclph/course/wiph.html or by contacting Amy Scheller at sche0526@umn.edu or (612) 624-3962.