Public H assmt 2
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The Country Health Ranking and Roadmaps for health outcomes and factors.
Alfred A. Duodu
HCAD 630 Public Health Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus
Dr. Tracy Powell
September 20, 2022
State of Maryland
Public Health Service
Public Health Department, 1001 Fayette St, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2022 Alfred A. Duodu
Deputy Secretary of Health Services Intern
Baltimore City
Providing healthy living to enable Baltimoreans with equitable access to quality healthcare.
The primary goal of public health is to improve health outcomes by examining health factors. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, on the other hand, is an ethically fundamental right of every human being, regardless of race, religion, political beliefs, economic, or social circumstances (WHO, 2021). Baltimore, which ranked 22 on the scorecard of the state health ranking 2022, has been struggle for far too long. Chronic disease prevention, emergency preparedness, maternal-child health, persistent street and community violence, school health against obesity, and acute communicable diseases are all issues that the Baltimore health department must address. As Deputy Secretary of Baltimore Health Services, I consider it a privilege to shed light on the city's various public health challenges and the numerous efforts that have been made to address the challenges and to improve the city health status (Meier, & Gostin, 2018). To achieve the healthy well-being of city residents, a proper outline of the city's public health challenges and viable solutions are required. Among the challenges are:
· Maternal-child health issues.
· Behavioral health
· Violence Cripple with homicides
· Chronic and acute communicable disease.
Maternal-child health is a critical public health issue that requires immediate attention to eliminate preventable deaths among women and infants (Killion, 2020). For example, Baltimore City has a low birthweight rate of 12%, compared to a state average of 9%. However, the state has recognized that reducing maternal and child mortality is a human right and has implemented several programs such as Baltimore for Health Babies (BHB), a city-wide public-private coalition aimed at ensuring that all children born in Baltimore city are of a healthy weight, full-term, and ready to thrive in a healthy family. The Academy awarded this program the 2014 Family League Award.
Baltimore City has behavioral issues such as prescription opioid medication misuse, 4.8 percent fewer mental health days than the state average of 4.0 percent, and an excessive alcohol abuse disorder. Most city children have Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). However, the city health departments, in collaboration with other stakeholders and government agencies, received a $5 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to empower community organizations to implement high-quality programs for youth connectedness and resilience. In addition, a sobering center for temporary service related to intoxication should be established (Healthy Baltimore, 2017).
Baltimore's public safety and violence are critical. The city health department has implemented several strategies to combat city violence. Safe Streets community programs, for example, have organized fun community events like games and educational and social gatherings to help reduce major acts of violence on the streets. The government and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have assisted the health department in implementing a comprehensive hospital-based community violence intervention program. This program, which is also supported by John Hopkins Hospital, is spreading throughout the city (Puro, & Kelly, 2022).
Chronic disease is a leading cause of death and illness in Baltimore. Adult smoking and obesity rates range from 21 percent to 38 percent in 2022 county health rankings and roadmaps (Maryland state report, 2022), compared to 13 percent and 32 percent on average for the state. Fighting chronic diseases, city health departments have established community-based food access programs to provide nutritious food to individuals to improve health and wellness programs and transform the community from an obesity level to a healthy appearance. Furthermore, an outreach program, as well as educational, ethical, and legal enforcement, have aided in the control of excessive smoke in the city for healthy lifestyles. The introduction of digital transformational technologies such as wearable devices and telehealth has aided in the reduction of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. All these planned programs have been successful thanks to the governor's office's collaborative efforts, as well as the support of various stakeholders and city residents. Though there is still room for improvement, the city will thrive with all hands-on deck (Wachhaus, 2019).
Healthy Baltimore 2020. (2017, May 5). Baltimore City Health Department. https://health.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/HB2020%20-%20April%202017.pdf
Killion, M. M. (2020). Maternal mortality in the United States. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 45(4), 240-240. https://doi.org/10.1097/nmc.0000000000000631
Meier, B. M., & Gostin, L. O. (2018). Human rights in global health: Rights-based governance for a globalizing world. Oxford University Press.
Puro, N., & Kelly, R. J. (2022). Community social capital or health needs: What is driving hospital-community partnerships to address social determinants of health? SSM - Population Health, 18, 101129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101129
Trangenstein, P. J. (2021, April 20). Alcohol problems cost Baltimore more than $2 per drink. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/alcohol-problems-cost-baltimore-more-than-2-per-drink/
Wachhaus, A. (2019). Building health communities: Local health care networks in Maryland. The American Review of Public Administration, 50(1), 62-76. https://doi.org/10.1177/0275074019864298
WHO. (2021, July 2). Human rights. WHO | World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/human-rights#tab=tab_1
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