On average, Americans live nearly 35 years longer today than they did 150 years ago, which would not have been possible without public health efforts to improve the wellbeing of communities across the nation. In thinking about how progress can be achieved, it is important to consider how public health does not just concern a single person or group—it affects individuals, families, and neighborhoods in various localities, states, and regions. But with so many levels and contexts, where do we even begin?

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW), the theme of which is “It Starts Here.” In honor of this milestone, Public Consulting Group (PCG) celebrates the public health progress made in the last 30 years and reflects upon some key public health topics that are critical to continuing this momentum.

Over the past three decades, advancements in technology and communications have helped us build stronger and healthier communities. Concurrently, new needs and challenges have appeared, often requiring innovative and multidisciplinary solutions. PCG has supported public health programs and agencies across the country for nearly 40 years, so we understand the complexities of their needs and challenges. Below are some key themes of NPHW that are shaping the current and future public health landscape.

Health at Every Level

Public health affects everyone, so prioritizing health at every level can help build stronger and healthier communities. However, meeting the diverse needs within and across communities can be challenging for public health agencies, especially when it pertains to program evaluation. Assessing outcomes, processes, and impact requires systematic data collection and analysis tailored to each community’s needs. By leveraging evidence-based evaluation practices, we can support residences, schools, and communities across the continuum of care.

Learn more about public health program evaluation.

Sustainable Change

Change is constant, so it is essential for organizations to continually adapt, reshape, and rethink the best ways to move forward. When it comes to making sustainable changes to public health, it is essential that the work is practical, results are visible, and improvements are enduring. By leveraging effective tools that support growth, change, and revitalization, public health programs and agencies can streamline their operations and transform ideas into action.

Learn more about sustainable change for public health programs and agencies.

Multidisciplinary Approaches

Health is inherently a multidisciplinary concept that requires a multidisciplinary lens, as it is affected by everything from nutrition to housing to education. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Medicaid coverage of Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs). Addressing HRSNs through the Medicaid program can be as meaningful to improving health outcomes as traditional healthcare services and lower program costs over the long term.

Learn more about Medicaid coverage of Health-Related Social Needs.

Agency Advocacy

Public health advocacy cannot be discussed without the agencies that work with and serve communities through dedicated programs and resources. As such, it is essential for agencies to streamline and enhance their programs to meet the needs of their specific communities. By optimizing program evaluation, grant management, staff augmentation, workforce development, and data modernization, agencies can be better positioned to drive local and statewide public health efforts in various program areas.

Learn more about services for public health programs and agencies.

Health Technology

By integrating technology into health care organizations and systems, we can streamline processes and workflows to improve quality of care. Health information technology (HIT) can help providers and agencies process, store, and exchange health information that is critical to community wellbeing. Though vast amounts of data and complex technical operations can be challenging to navigate, tools such as Medicaid enterprise systems (MES), electronic health records (EHR), health information exchanges (HIEs), and user acceptance testing (UAT) can help improve the quality and delivery of health care programs across the country.

Learn more about health information technology.

The past 30 years in public health have completely changed the ways in which we work, live, and thrive. Over the next 30 years, we will continue to navigate new challenges in the evolving public health landscape. Much like how public health does not just affect a single group, it also cannot be changed by the efforts of just one stakeholder. Public health progress requires collaboration between communities, agencies, and advocates. At PCG, we support agencies and programs that promote community wellbeing because we believe public health is for everyone—and it can start here with us.