The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health

Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/public-health

Introduction

**Course Review: The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health** In an age where public health has taken center stage, particularly due to the global pandemic, the course **“The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health”** on Coursera is both timely and invaluable. This course offers a captivating exploration of the monumental achievements within the field of public health while simultaneously equipping learners with essential tools and insights that underscore the importance of community health initiatives. ### Course Overview The course is structured into three distinct yet interconnected modules: **Pride: The Success of Public Health**, **Power: The Tools of Public Health**, and **People: Public Health in Our Communities**. Each segment combines interviews, real-life examples, and engaging narratives that not only inform but also inspire. ### Module Breakdown 1. **Pride: The Success of Public Health** This first module takes you on a reflective journey through the monumental achievements of public health giants. Through interviews with renowned public health figures, participants are afforded a rare glimpse into the innovations that have drastically transformed health outcomes globally. The focus on vaccines, air bags, car seats, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program showcases just how much public health initiatives have contributed to saving millions of lives. These powerful success stories foster a sense of pride and appreciation for the persistent efforts of public health professionals. 2. **Power: The Tools of Public Health** In a field dominated by data and communication, the second module dissects the very tools that have become synonymous with effective public health strategies. Learners engage with real-world examples demonstrating how data analysis, messaging, and policy adjustments play pivotal roles in fostering healthier communities. This module emphasizes not only the importance of data but also the art of effective communication—skills that are essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in public health. 3. **People: Public Health in Our Communities** Perhaps one of the most engaging segments of the course, this module features Dr. Umair Shah, who employs a unique “carpool karaoke” style to interview health department workers on the ground in Baltimore County, Maryland. This module humanizes the public health narrative by showcasing the commitment and passion of individuals working tirelessly to implement health programs at the community level. These personal stories are not only entertaining but also serve to highlight the challenges and successes public health workers face daily. ### Course Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend **“The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health”** to anyone interested in understanding the crucial role of public health in both local and global contexts. Whether you’re a budding public health professional, a student, or simply an informed citizen keen to grasp the dynamics of health promotion and disease prevention, this course is a must-have resource. The seamless integration of storytelling, practical tools, and community engagement provides both a theoretical framework and concrete examples that are essential for comprehending today’s public health landscape. Moreover, the course’s emphasis on real-life applications equips participants with the knowledge and motivation needed to contribute meaningfully to the field. ### Conclusion With a course structured around the vital themes of people, power, and pride, learners will walk away with a newfound appreciation for public health and its potential to enact profound change. Enroll now on Coursera and embark on your public health journey; you won’t regret it!

Syllabus

Pride: The Success of Public Health

In this module, we’ll hear from three public health heroes about some incredible accomplishments that have saved millions of lives in the United States and around the world.

Power: The Tools of Public Health

In this module, we’ll discuss examples of how public health saves lives with data, messaging, and policy changes.

People: Public Health in our Communities

In this module, Harris County Health Officer Dr. Umair Shah drives “carpool karaoke”- style around Baltimore County, Maryland to hear from real health department workers about their work.

Overview

The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health provides an engaging overview of the incredible accomplishments and promise of the public health field. The first module includes interviews with legendary public health figures whose work led to millions of lives saved with vaccines, air bags and car seats, and the federal Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. The second module brings key public health tools to life -- including use of data, communications, and policy - through discu

Skills

Reviews

Solid introduction to what it means to work in public health and various roles, also well as an overview of key big public health wins.

I really enjoyed this course. Very informative, the instructor was clear and engaging. The interviews and ride along were awesome.

Public health is a very broad field. There are many different roles. In this course, you can learn about few of those roles in the form of interviews. Very interesting course!

This would be a good course for people beginning work in Public Health. They will be surprised to learn how many aspects of our lives are influenced by public

Very informative on the work of Public Health workers. Shows the great impact that the field has had till today and the challenges that need to be faced.