Restoring Community Focus on Community Wellness

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, the public health community faces a significant challenge in regaining the public's trust. Over the past four years, federal leaders have ignored scientific advice, belittled experts, and threatened to clean up public health agencies, causing a rift between the public and the health sector.

The health landscape is multifaceted, encompassing not only physical well-being but also mental and social aspects. However, the communication style of the public health community may have contributed to its loss of public support. In order to bridge this gap, a shift in approach is necessary.

A report by the Commonwealth Fund compared the U.S. health care system to nine peer countries and concluded that the U.S. underperforms in several areas, including life expectancy, preventable and treatable deaths, and excess deaths from Covid for those under 75. This underscores the need for change within the public health community.

One of the most pressing issues is the fight for truth. Katelyn Jetelina, in her popular newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, emphasised this point. Reflection and change are needed to address the disrespect for expertise in our country today.

There are large differences between Republican and Democrat voters' beliefs in the qualities of scientists, according to a poll from Pew Research. To bridge this divide, the public health community should aim to show more humility and avoid labeling others as "anti-science" or "anti-health."

Democrats have been advised to be less judgmental and avoid condescension. Sandro Galea, dean of the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, suggested public health leaders should be humble, open to learning, and ask questions even when answers run counter to what they think or hope to be true.

The public health community should strive to get the public to support their work to influence politics. In our political system, success requires large coalitions, and the public health community should aim to be a part of these coalitions.

Policies supported by the public health community performed well in the 2024 election, with seven out of 10 abortion referendums passing, paid sick leave being approved in three states, and two states raising their minimum wage. However, the next four years will be led by federal leaders who have historically ignored or undermined public health advice.

The health of all of us depends on the public health community showing humility, stopping name-calling, and endeavouring to gain public support for their work. Recent petitions protesting cabinet nominees urge senators to prioritise science and the well-being of Americans.

Georges Benjamin, president of the American Public Health Association, warned that the country's new leadership can enact policies that take public health "back a few steps." Just under 230,000 votes would have changed the presidential outcome, highlighting the importance of public support for health-focused policies.

Some people who voted to protect abortion also voted for the candidate who appointed Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. This underscores the need for the public health community to engage with the public in a way that resonates with a wide range of voters.

In conclusion, the public health community must adapt its communication style to regain the public's trust. This requires humility, openness, and a willingness to engage in dialogue with those who may hold different views. The health of the nation depends on it.