Sandra Melstad
2023 in Review....Partnerships

As 2023 comes to a close, a keyword foundational to public health that keeps emerging across the field is “partnerships”.

2023 in Review....Partnerships
Sandra Melstad
Developing an Action Plan with a Health Equity ...

Perhaps you are at the point where program or initiative is being planned or revised to address identified issues, priorities have been determined to address those issues, and now the task at hand is to develop an action plan to address those priorities and issues. But first, to move forward, it is important to recognize that to make an impact on priority issues/problems, addressing health inequities and their root causes are key.

Developing an Action Plan with a Health Equity Lens
Sandra Melstad
Health Inequities Show True Colors in ...

As March 2020 comes to a close, the world is experiencing unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 does not discriminate and people of all color, races, gender, income, celebrity status, religion, geographic locations are being impacted worldwide. However, what does discriminate and is showing its true colors, is health inequity.

Health Inequities Show True Colors in Unprecedented Times
Sandra Melstad
Public Health 3.0: A New Opportunity to Address ...

There are a wealth of activities happening across rural American working to address and improve health outcomes, including community gardens to increase access to healthy foods, economic development to invest in healthy community design, and utilization of local wellness coalitions to take action to address local health. However, increasing globalization and the growing impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on global health, calls for expansion of the scope and reach of population health approaches to improve health outcomes across rural America.

Public Health 3.0: A New Opportunity to Address Health in Rural America for Science, Action, & Health
Sandra Melstad
Reflection: Looking Back to Look to the Future ...

With 2018 wrapping and it is important to reflect on the breadth of efforts taking place across the nation to address population focused on improving the health of individuals where they live, work, learn, and play.

Reflection: Looking Back to Look to the Future of Public Health

Addressing Antibiotic Resistance through Local Partnerships in Rochester, New York

Addressing Antibiotic Resistance through Local Partnerships in Rochester, New York

Antibiotics provide life-saving treatment; however, approximately 30% of the antibiotic courses given in the US each year are considered inappropriate, commonly prescribed for viral infections such as the common cold.  Consequences of antibiotic misuse include allergic reactions; C. difficile, a serious and potentially life-threatening diarrheal illness; and increased antibiotic resistance.  There are limited treatment options for those infected with an antibiotic resistant organism, often leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs and sometimes death.  In some parts of the world, infections with organisms that are resistant to almost all current antibiotics including last-line carbapenems are widespread. Given the ease of global travel and the absence of new antibiotics in the pipeline, antibiotic resistance has become a global public health threat.  

Using Evidence to Move the Needle on Health Outcomes

Using Evidence to Move the Needle on Health Outcomes

Take a moment to consider the community where you live, work, learn, and play. What issues are affecting the health of your community? Obesity? Tobacco Use? Access to health care services? Access to healthy foods?

What if you know what issues affect the health of your community, but are not sure how to address those issues and understand how they affect all residents in your community? 

Tobacco 21: A Strategy to Protect Young Hearts in South Dakota

Tobacco 21: A Strategy to Protect Young Hearts in South Dakota

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of South Dakotans, with more than 1,800 deaths annually. And since tobacco use is the No. 1 risk factor for developing heart disease in young men and women, the American Heart Association is supportive of a variety of policies to keep our youth from getting hooked on tobacco such as Tobacco 21.

Health in All Policies – An Approach to Improve the Health of Communities and People

Health in All Policies – An Approach to Improve the Health of Communities and People

“The core value of public health remains its commitment to the health of populations.”[i]Health care costs are rising and chronic diseases continue to be the leading cause of death and disease, however, much of this burden is preventable. Research has evolved to identify that health outcomes are the products of multiple and overlapping determinants of health, including biological, social and environmental determinants. So how are those determinants addressed to improve health outcomes? Policy, systems, and environment change or PSE change as it’s known in the public health world, has shown to be an effective and necessary strategy to improve the health of all sectors in a community, including worksite, schools, and healthcare.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

In 2017, it is estimated that 12,820 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States and 4,210 died of this disease.1 But did you know that cervical cancer can be prevented? With regular screening tests, appropriate follow-up care, and a vaccine to prevent infection, cervical cancer is highly preventable. It also can be cured when found early and treated.

Health Literacy - Why It Matters to Health Outcomes

Health Literacy - Why It Matters to Health Outcomes

“How can I have a healthy pregnancy?”…“Where can I get healthy food?”…“What shots do my children need?”…“What types of health clinics are offered in your community?”…or “Am I at risk for heart disease?”  Do any of these questions sound familiar? You may have found yourself or people you know asking some of these questions or ones like them.