Health programs are designed to help individuals and communities lead healthier lives by educating them on how to make better choices that will positively impact their overall well-being. They often focus on a combination of approaches that include communication, education, and policy, systems, or environment.
A variety of government agencies provide a number of different health programs and services. For example, some offer grants for community-based projects aimed at improving health outcomes, while others support research or work with vulnerable populations. Some programs, like those in the Department of Health and Human Services, work to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health through community-based activities. Others focus on disease management, reducing substance-exposed pregnancies, and addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Other programs, such as those in the Department of Labor, support the nation’s workforce through education and training opportunities. These include allied health professional school programs, which allow students to enter the workforce with a credential such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services offers loans to aspiring healthcare professionals.
Many state-run healthcare programs are designed to provide equitable access to the country’s most underserved populations. For example, the Affordable Care Act provides states with the option to establish a Basic Health Program that can provide insurance coverage for people who cannot afford health insurance. This includes citizens and lawfully present non-citizens with incomes between 133 percent and 200 percent of the poverty level.
CDC programs are designed to work with other organizations and private sector groups in order to extend the reach of the agency’s efforts to improve public health. In some cases, this collaboration is initiated by CDC scientists who see an opportunity for partners to leverage their resources to further CDC’s priorities. In other cases, organizations in the philanthropic and private sectors recognize that they can help to advance CDC’s mission by bringing their expertise and resources to the table.
A range of workplace health programs can be implemented to encourage employees to live a healthier lifestyle. These may include stocking breakrooms with healthy snacks and drinks, promoting physical activity through office fitness competitions, or hosting hiking trips. Additionally, companies can create a culture of wellness by offering health incentives, such as free flu shots or discounts on gym memberships.
To become a certified health educator, a person needs to complete a rigorous program of study that typically lasts several years. In addition to formal education, voluntary credentialing is available through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. A number of colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia College of Public Health, offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in allied health, community health education, and health promotion. Individuals who are not trained in health education will lack the specialized knowledge, skills, and theories needed to be effective in this field. This can limit their effectiveness with clients and their ability to implement change within communities.