Courtney Wright’s Post

"Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, and others over self." - Dean Jackson" I have noticed, most times when we say public health, the focus is often talking – through social and behavior change (SBC) campaigns, advocacy efforts, or program implementations. In-between all the talking, we often tend to overlook a fundamental guiding principle of public health: Listening. Because public health is not just about telling people what to do or how they should live; it's about understanding the needs, concerns, and experiences of the communities we serve. It's about actively listening to what they have to say with empathy regardless of Their social status or background. It's about recognizing the expertise that is within communities themselves and working with them to create solutions that reflect their needs. Because when we listen, we don't just hear words; we hear the heartbeat of public health. Picture: A picture of me truly listening when I worked as a Research Assistant for the ProACT study in Chadiza District, Eastern Province.

We all want to live in a community where everyone has the opportunity to reach their best health and wellbeing. The Strategies to Repair Equity and Transform Community Health (STRETCH) Initiative works to strengthen the foundational relationships between governmental public health and communities imperative to ensuring all members of the community can thrive and improve the structures and processes needed to consistently move this work forward. The STRETCH Framework is a tool for public health practitioners—including state public health agencies, local health departments and community-based organizations—to understand the shifts needed to achieve true change. The framework aims to re-imagine standard public health practice by centering equity as a through line throughout all public health domains and deploys a systems change approach. https://cdcf.link/3WR2UJd

Empowering Communities Through Public Health Leadership. Leadership in public health is most effective when it empowers communities to take charge of their own health. By fostering local leadership and community engagement, we ensure that health solutions are culturally relevant, sustainable, and widely accepted. Empowered communities are healthier communities. Let’s prioritize leadership that uplifts and empowers every voice.

As passionate advocates for health equity, each of us plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public health. Here are some tips to enhance your civic engagement journey: 1. Educate Yourself 📚: Stay informed about critical public health issues, such as health disparities, social determinants of health, and community resources. 2. Build Relationships 🤝: Connect with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that address local health needs. 3. Leverage Your Expertise 💪: Use your knowledge and skills as a public health professional to advocate for policies and programs that promote health equity and social justice. 4. Listen Actively 👂: Take the time to listen to the voices and experiences of marginalized communities and incorporate their perspectives into your advocacy efforts. 5. Use Your Platform 📢: Whether through social media, public speaking, or writing, use your platform to raise awareness about public health issues and mobilize others to take action. 6. Be Persistent 🏃♀️: Change takes time and effort. Stay committed to your advocacy goals, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Let's work together to be catalysts for change and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #PublicHealth #CommunityEngagement #HealthEquity 💪🏾✨ #NPHW2024

National Public Health Week (NPHW) is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of public health professionals and the importance of collective action in creating healthier communities. This week, NPHW highlights the critical role that public health plays in promoting wellness and preventing disease. This year's theme, "Building Bridges to Better Health," emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to address the diverse health challenges facing our society. Whether it's tackling disparities in access to healthcare, advocating for policies that promote healthy environments, or promoting mental health awareness, NPHW encourages us to work together towards a common goal of improving health outcomes for all. As we celebrate National Public Health Week, let's renew our commitment to building healthier communities. Together, through collaboration and advocacy, we can create a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. #NPHW #PublicHealth #BuildingBridges #HealthEquity #CommunityWellness

As we bid farewell to March and welcome April, I want to bring attention to an important observance: #NationalMinorityHealthMonth. This month serves as a reminder of the critical need to address health disparities and inequities faced by minority communities. In the midst of this awareness month, let's recognize the unique health challenges and barriers that minority populations encounter. From access to quality healthcare services to socio-economic factors influencing health outcomes, there are numerous systemic issues that demand our attention and action. During National Minority Health Month, let's commit to fostering inclusive healthcare environments, advocating for equitable access to resources, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Here's to a month of reflection, advocacy, and collective action toward health equity. https://lnkd.in/dzTDWWid #minorityhealth

National Public Health Week (NPHW) is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of public health professionals and the importance of collective action in creating healthier communities. This week, NPHW highlights the critical role that public health plays in promoting wellness and preventing disease. This year's theme, "Building Bridges to Better Health," emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to address the diverse health challenges facing our society. Whether it's tackling disparities in access to healthcare, advocating for policies that promote healthy environments, or promoting mental health awareness, NPHW encourages us to work together towards a common goal of improving health outcomes for all. As we celebrate National Public Health Week, let's renew our commitment to building healthier communities. Together, through collaboration and advocacy, we can create a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. #NPHW #PublicHealth #BuildingBridges #HealthEquity #CommunityWellness

It’s Day 1 of National Public Health Week! Today’s theme is Civic Engagement. States with more inclusive voting policies and fewer barriers to voting have better health outcomes. States with restrictive voting policies have worse outcomes. These barriers to voting also worsen existing health disparities, like disparities in infant mortality. By taking actions to get more civically engaged, like voting, we exercise our right to make decisions about our communities, like whether our neighborhoods have walkable sidewalks, how much funding goes to reproductive health clinics in our states, and how prepared the nation’s infrastructure is for future pandemics and disasters.

As we end #NationalPublicHealthWeek, we’re contemplating what the future of public health looks like. The future of public health is all about partnering with different sectors and communities who are at the heart of decision-making. The future of public health is all about partnering with communities who are at the heart of decision-making. The future of public health is one rooted in racial justice and health equity. We partnered with the Big Cities Health Coalition to explore strategies that root public health’s practice in racial justice and health equity. In “Centering Racial Justice to Strengthen the Public Health Ecosystem: Lessons from COVID-19,” we challenge the public health field to commit to an ecosystem approach to public health. Read our report to learn more: https://lnkd.in/egeHEZZv https://lnkd.in/eebwqpnm #NPHW #RacialJustice #PublicHealth