498: Social Work & Public Health

Author

Institution

Introduction

Social work and public health have been some of the most crucial sectors as far as the health of the nation is concerned. Social workers are charged with the responsibility of enhancing or improving the lives of the less fortunate as well as easing the challenges that these people face in their lives. It goes without saying that the recent past has seen tremendous changes in these two sectors. This is especially as a result of the introduction of technology, in an effort to improve or enhance the quality and efficiency of service provision in these two sectors. It is worth noting that, as much as quite a lot has changed as far as the introduction or entry of technology is concerned these two sectors are still lagging. In fact, information technology has not been fully incorporated in the public health sector (Tulchinsky & Varavikova, 2009).

Nevertheless, the fact that various public health facilities have adopted information technology and enhances their efficiency has pushed other facilities to adopt it albeit sparingly. In essence, I envision a future where the provision of public health services will be entirely tied to information technology. This means that it will be possible for an individual to get all the services that he needs in one place. The efficiency of the agencies will be tremendously increased thereby increasing their reach (Tulchinsky & Varavikova, 2009). In essence, public health facilities will have an enhanced reach in communities located at far –flung or marginalized areas. In this case, public health sector will have enhanced effectiveness in attaining its objectives or desired outcomes. This underlines the fact that it will have an enhanced capacity to measurably-attain its goals. Organizations will also be able to develop an entirely new competence, in which case it would be responding in new and innovative ways thereby creating and delivering outcomes that were previously unattainable (Tulchinsky & Varavikova, 2009).

Social work and public health have always collaborated in various stages of provision of healthcare services. In fact, social work started and grew alongside public health, way back in the 20th century (Ruth & Sisco, 2008). This was at a period or time when social workers collaborated with doctors in an effort to combat or fight STIs, and other infectious diseases. In addition, they partnered in improving child and maternal health in settlement houses. One of the key issues facing public health is high death rates as a result of sexually transmitted infections (Ruth & Sisco, 2008). It is evident that a considerable percentage of people has little or no knowledge or information as far as the prevention of sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS is concerned. In essence, if I were to make any impact on the social work in public health, I would ensure that there is a reduction or total elimination of deaths from sexually transmitted infections. I have always believed that most people perish as a result of their ignorance (Ruth & Sisco, 2008). In essence, I would aim at preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections through educating these people. I would promote the ABC of STD prevention. I would target social websites to pass the message on ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, Use a condom). In this case, I would encourage them to abstain from sex, be faithful to one partner and in case they must have sex with multiple partners, they should use a condom (Ruth & Sisco, 2008). In addition, I would lobby for an increase in the supply of condoms in public health facilities, as well as other facilities so as to increase the use and enhance prevention. This would curb the proliferation of STDs and prevent mortality.

References

Ruth, B. J., & Sisco, S. Public health social work. Encyclopedia of Social Work (20th ed). (2008). New York: National Association of Social Workers, Oxford University Press.

Tulchinsky, TH & Varavikova, E (2009). The New Public Health. New York: Academic Press