In the history of public health, a lot has not happened (and we’re proud of it)

Richard L. Vogt, MD is the Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department, the largest local health department in Colorado, which serves the 1.3 million residents of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties—25% of the population of Colorado.

Smallpox has been eliminated; and we’re on the verge of eliminating polio. Thousands of children’s lives have been saved, and once common fatal diseases such as measles and diphtheria have become so rare in the U.S. that many doctors today have learned about them in textbooks, but have never seen an actual case.

People are breathing easier since air pollution has been regulated and decreased, and smoking rates have dropped dramatically, sparing lives and reducing many tobacco-related diseases.

Better nutrition has improved the lives of mothers, newborns and children. Breast cancer can be diagnosed and treated earlier. A vaccine can prevent cervical cancer. And for many individuals, chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes have been overcome.

In addition to these numerous public health issues that we have prevented, so many of the other public health services that we have provided over the years are invisible to the public, or they go unnoticed until something goes awry. Public Health services and healthy outcomes have become such an integral part of America’s standard of living that most are taken for granted—but they should not be. Our lack of visibility is an unfortunate result of our incredible success.

As we celebrate Public Health Week 2010, I invite you to learn more about the challenges and successes of public health by reading a copy of our 60th anniversary annual report. It is a fascinating look at many things that have—and have not—happened over the past six decades.

The report features many of our accomplishments set within a timeline of important public health milestones and challenges. You will also learn about the impact that U.S. presidents, Star Trek, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana and Big Bird have all had on public health. It’s quite a history lesson.

You may download a copy from our Web site, or request a printed souvenir edition by e-mail.

As you know, in addition to what has not happened thanks to our prevention efforts, a tremendous amount of good has happened, and we should all be very proud of the great work we do in public health.