Health programs focus on promoting healthy behaviors and reducing risky behavior. They include public outreach campaigns, educational materials and support groups. In addition, they may address the social determinants of health, which are the economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence modifiable risk behaviors. Examples of modifiable risk behaviors are smoking, unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity. Ultimately, health programs reduce the costs that individuals, employers, families, medical facilities, communities and the nation would otherwise spend on expensive treatment.
A community health program provides healthcare services that are geared toward improving the physical, mental and emotional well-being of local residents in a given region. These programs are typically established and run by government agencies, hospitals and clinics, universities and colleges, churches and religious organizations, schools, private corporations and nonprofit groups. The programs often have specific geographic regions or target groups such as seniors, children, the poor and minorities.
Community health centers offer frontline healthcare services that are designed to improve the lives of patients who may not have access to adequate care, either because they don’t have insurance or live in rural areas. These programs are federally funded and operate under a patient-centered care model, allowing doctors to steer patients away from costly trips to the emergency room and help them manage their condition at home.
A comprehensive school health program focuses on fostering healthy habits in young students. This includes providing student, staff and parent education on topics such as consumer, environmental, emotional and sexual health; first aid, safety and disaster preparedness; nutrition and eating; and substance abuse prevention. Depending on their role, a health educator may develop and implement community-based activities; train peer educators, counselors and advocates; conduct research; write funding proposals and manage grants.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health supports Programs that are meant to transform healthcare and accelerate better outcomes for everyone. The Agency is accepting new proposals for funding on a regular basis.
As healthcare students prepare for careers in the field, they can expand their professional knowledge and skillset by participating in a variety of public health internships. These internships can take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health clinics, behavioral health facilities and other types of medical offices.
A comprehensive health management program provides a centralized way for healthcare professionals to organize and manage their administrative duties. This type of program offers a set of tools to help them streamline the many processes involved with managing patient care and insurance claims. These tools are practical and adaptable, making them effective regardless of an individual’s technological limitations. In addition, these programs provide educational resources that empower healthcare providers and patients to navigate the healthcare system more effectively. They are also encouraged to encourage active participation in patients’ health management, helping them to become confident and knowledgeable about their healthcare journeys. This enables them to be more proactive in their care, which leads to improved health outcomes.