If you’re not sure what the term “public health” means, you’re not alone. And yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is.
The field of public health focuses on promoting and protecting the health of communities. It does so through health education, scientific research, advocating for improved safety standards, health equity and much more.
Public health workers, who are being honored this week during National Public Health Week, carry out a variety of duties. These include: investigating the source of a bacterial outbreak; outreach programs on the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, obesity and gun violence; vaccination programs for children and at-risk populations; providing well-researched and scientifically supported information about healthy lifestyle choices and preventing disease or injury; making prenatal care widely available; and safety advances like seat belt laws.
County-based programs
For Menlo Park residents, public health programs are provided primarily by San Mateo County Health. Here are some of the department’s key programs and services:
- COVID-related services
- Testing and contact tracing
- Support services for those who test positive for the virus
- The county’s data dashboard
- COVID-19 call center (dial 211)
- Health care delivered at San Mateo Medical Center and the system’s mobile clinic
- Emergency medical services including ambulances and EMTs
- Emergency preparedness planning
- Resources for pregnancy, children’s dental care and health exams
- Pediatric medical care, and occupational and physical therapy rehabilitation for children and young adults up to age 21 who have certain medical conditions
- Programs for teens and aging adults
For more information on public health, check out: