Apr 4, 2024 | Health Equity, Policy
The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted telehealth’s potential, but revealed a stark reality: 14.5 million Americans lack broadband access, disproportionately affecting rural and tribal communities. Telehealth offers hope, but its promise is hindered by access inequities. Recognizing broadband as a crucial determinant of health, policymakers are acting, ranging from state-level initiatives to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, broadband expansion is just the beginning. Achieving healthcare equity demands policy reforms, workforce training, and collaboration. The pandemic taught us that telehealth is transformative, but its benefits must reach every corner of our nation, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of health and equity.
Mar 20, 2024 | Health Equity, Policy
Health First Indiana is an initiative created by Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly that will transform Indiana’s public health infrastructure. The legislation provides funding so local health departments (LHDs) can determine the health needs of their community and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention. Health First Indiana establishes a public health infrastructure through a state and local partnership where services are delivered at the county level. Counties decide whether to opt-in to the new funding to provide and/or expand upon the core public health services, including trauma and injury prevention, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and more.
Feb 15, 2024 | Workforce Development
In April 2023, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 4, which included a requirement for new health officers to complete a foundational public health training. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) contracted with the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health (FSPH) to manage the logistics and development of this training.
Feb 12, 2024 | Workforce Development
Through the Public Health Leadership Institute for Systems Change, Illinois health departments work to uncover root causes for complex issues and create meaningful change.
Oct 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
The University of Illinois Chicago Center for Healthy Work aims to share a variety of resources to build awareness and knowledge to academics, employers, policymakers, and workers to help establish and maintain the belief that all workers deserve healthy work.The Healthy Work Collaborative Step-by-Step Videos promote collaborative approaches to advancing worker health by helping organizations:
Develop a shared understanding of precarious work and pathways to healthier work
Explore how policy, systems, and environmental changes can improve health in the context of precarious work
For support implementing any of the Healthy Work Collaborative tools within your own organizations, contact us at healthywork@uic.edu.
