Issues of Public Health

Public Health Emergencies

When it comes to public health, there are two main issues: basic control of general public health concerns, and what takes place during an emergency. The United States and other countries have recently made some changes in how public health emergencies are handled, mostly in response to disasters that have been seen on their home soil or in other areas of the world. A public health emergency can come from a natural disaster, a terrorist act, or in other ways, but being prepared for it is important. It can also be difficult, because it is unpredictable and cannot be accurately planned for in many cases.

Response to Japan Disasters

Japan has experienced its share of public health emergencies in recent years. The tsunami created a massive issue for a significant number of people (CDC, 2011). Additionally, the nuclear radiation that began leaking added fuel to the fire, so to speak, because it caused a further problem with public health. Long-term exposure to this radiation, even at very low levels, can be extremely harmful (Christodouleas, et al., 2011). When there has been a public health emergency of that magnitude, especially when it has been brought about by a natural disaster that has done significant damage and cannot be easily repaired, the risk of being able to care for everyone is very real (DeLia & Wood, 2008; Rajasingham, et al., 2011). Diseases can start running rampant due to a lack of sanitary conditions, and there are not enough medical facilities and treatments for everyone who is injured or sick (DeLia & Wood, 2008).

The recovery in Japan has taken a lot of time, and is actually still not complete. In the hearts and minds of many people who lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their loved ones, the recovery is not something that can ever be completed. It is a part of history, and must remain that way. However, that does not mean that Japan (and the rest of the world) cannot learn from the response that occurred to the natural disaster of the tsunami and the nuclear reactor leak. The more the world is able to understand about what took place, why it happened, and what can be done in the face of similar disasters in the future, the more can be done in order to protect people's future and keep them as safe from harm as possible (CDC, 2011). While it may not be possible to prevent a natural or man-made disaster, the way the aftermath is handled deeply affects a vast number of people when it comes to public health.

Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act

The Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act (PAHPA), became law in 2006 (U.S., 2013). It was designed to address and improve the responses to public health emergencies, and also allow the Department of Health and Human Services to become better prepared for these emergency issues. An Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response position was created, and new authority for a high number of programs was also created at that time (U.S., 2013). Medical countermeasures became highly important, because these would have to be used -- and used correctly -- if there were ever a public health emergency in the United States along the lines of what Japan experienced. Biomedical and advanced research was changed and increased by the Act, and the emergency support functions that had been seen and used in the past were adjusted, as well (U.S., 2013). Additionally, consideration was made for individuals who are deemed to be at risk, because they may not be able to remove themselves from harm's way in the same way others would be able to do (U.S., 2013).

A national health security strategy had to be created, and there was an increased focus on educational and training opportunities (Hardey, 2008). Situational awareness was an important part of the Act, because it is vital in an emergency that affects public health for as many people as possible to focus on where they are and what is taking place around them. That can allow them to save their own lives and the lives of others, and perform their due diligence to protect the overall public from serious threats to health and safety. While there is no guarantee that changes to the law and the creation of the Act will save lives, there is a strong belief that this will be the case and that it will help both first responders and the general public make better, safer choices in the event of a public health emergency.

FEMA and Public Health Emergencies

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been charged with the duty of protecting and serving the public when both natural and man-made disasters occur (FEMA, 2008). This is very important, because it shows that the U.S. Government is aware that these kinds of public health threats can occur, and that the United States is not immune to them and the damage they could do to ordinary citizens. In order to protect the public as much as possible in the aftermath of these uncommon and unlikely events, public health and medical services need to be provided properly by FEMA. Changes to the agency were made after Hurricane Katrina and the damage it did to the New Orleans area, because the FEMA response time and the agency's ability to help a large number of people were both heavily criticized.