US State-Level Legislative Responses to the Ebola Outbreak, 2014-2015

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 649-653
Author(s):  
Lainie Rutkow ◽  
Alexandra Jabs
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
State Level ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Electronic Data Collection ◽  
The Face ◽  
Collection Form ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to systematically identify and analyze state-level legislative responses to Ebola from April 2014 through June 2015.MethodsUsing standardized search terms, we searched the LexisNexis State Capital database to identify bills or resolutions that explicitly mentioned Ebola or viral hemorrhagic fever in all 50 US states and Washington, DC, from April 2014 through June 2015. Information was abstracted from relevant bills or resolutions by using an electronic data collection form. Abstracted information was analyzed to identify themes and patterns.ResultsOur search processes returned 273 bills and resolutions; 17 met our inclusion criterion. These 17 bills and resolutions were introduced in 11 states. The primary goals of these materials concerned the following: protecting or acknowledging public health and health care workers (n=4), revising the definition of “communicable disease” (n=3), financial considerations (n=5), establishing a task force (n=2), and updating or creating facilities (n=3). Six bills were enacted and 4 resolutions were adopted.ConclusionApproximately 20% of the states introduced bills or resolutions concerning the Ebola outbreak. These bills and resolutions highlight important practice considerations, including protections for those who assist in treating Ebola and revision of laws in the face of emerging infectious disease threats. Policy-makers and emergency planners would benefit from incorporating lessons learned from states’ Ebola responses into their preparedness activities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:649–653)

Epilogue

2016 ◽  
pp. 119-122
Author(s):  
Christian W. McMillen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Past ◽  
Public Health Infrastructure ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Face ◽  
New Challenges

There will be more pandemics. A pandemic might come from an old, familiar foe such as influenza or might emerge from a new source—a zoonosis that makes its way into humans, perhaps. The epilogue asks how the world will confront pandemics in the future. It is likely that patterns established long ago will re-emerge. But how will new challenges, like climate change, affect future pandemics and our ability to respond? Will lessons learned from the past help with plans for the future? One thing is clear: in the face of a serious pandemic much of the developing world’s public health infrastructure will be woefully overburdened. This must be addressed.

Exploring law enforcement and public health as a collective impact initiative: lessons learned from Tasmania as a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Julian ◽  
Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron ◽  
Jackie Hallam ◽  
Clarissa Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
State Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Collective Impact ◽  
Impact Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mapping Process ◽  
Potential Benefits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential benefits as well as some of the practical barriers to the implementation of a collective impact initiative in law enforcement and public health (LEPH) in Tasmania, Australia. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a review of programs, agencies and initiatives that are at the intersection of LEPH in Tasmania, through an analysis of the findings in evaluation reports, and the views of practitioners identified at a workshop on LEPH held at a national AOD conference and facilitated by the authors. Findings The strengths of collective impact initiatives, particularly in LEPH, are presented and some weaknesses identified. Some major obstacles to the consolidation of LEPH initiatives include siloed ways of working and budgets, lack of leadership and political will. Some progress has been made in addressing these weaknesses, although addressing complex social problems by moving beyond inter-agency collaboration toward an integrated model of service provision remains challenging. Practical implications The authors argue that there are practical benefits to the adoption of a collective impact model to address problems in Tasmania that lie at the nexus between LEPH. In reviewing existing collaborations, the authors demonstrate the value of a structural mapping process to identify ways forward for government and non-government agencies that are inclined to go further in merging the two disciplinary areas. The authors offer some suggestions with respect to identifying the preconditions for a collective impact model and how to build on these to initiate action. Originality/value A significant proportion of the literature on LEPH remains at a conceptual and theoretical level. This contribution highlights some practical issues while looking at existing examples of collaboration across LEPH at a state level in Australia, and starts mapping a way forward for constructing more integrative LEPH initiatives.

Wassermann Before Wedding Bells: Premarital Examination Laws in the United States, 1937–1950

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah B Doroshow
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Private Lives ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract In the late 1930s, states began to pass laws requiring men and women applying for marriage licences to demonstrate proof of a blood test showing that they did not harbour communicable syphilis. Advocates of the laws positioned marriage as a public health checkpoint to identify new cases of syphilis as part of a broader effort to approach the disease as a public health problem, rather than a moral one. Although the laws appeared to have broad popular support, in reality they were a failed public health intervention. Couples rushed to the altar before laws went into effect and border-hopped to marry in states without blood test laws. The blood tests used to detect syphilis were difficult to interpret and physicians could not agree on a standard definition of communicable disease. But for over 30 years, premarital examination laws represented a tangible government presence in the private lives of most Americans.

scholarly journals The Dutch Public Health Foresight Study 2018: an example of a comprehensive foresight exercise

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke Verschuuren ◽  
Henk B M Hilderink ◽  
Robert A A Vonk
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Local Level ◽  
National Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Policy Fields ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Business As Usual

Abstract Background The use of foresight studies is common in some policy fields, but not in public health. Interest in such studies is growing. This paper gives a general overview of the Dutch Public Health Foresight Study (PHFS) 2018, providing insight into what performing a broad scenario exercise in the field of public health entails and its societal impacts. Methods The aim of the PHFS-2018 was: (a) to show how public health and healthcare in the Netherlands will develop over the next 25 years if we pursue our current course and detect ‘new’ developments; (b) to give options for dealing with the major future societal challenges. Part a was addressed by means of a quantitative business-as-usual scenario exercise complemented with qualitative thematic studies, and part b by elaborating courses of action for three key challenges, based on stakeholder consultation. Typical aspects of the PHFS methods are a multidisciplinary, participatory and conceptual approach and using a broad definition of health. Results The PHFS-2018 is the basis for the upcoming National Health Policy Memorandum and the Trend Scenario is the baseline for the National Prevention Agreement. Unexpectedly, the findings about increasing mental pressure in young people received most attention. There still is room for expanding use of the study to its full potential. Conclusions Long-term thinking could be stimulated by using back casting techniques and stronger involvement of policy-makers in the elaboration of options for action. Lessons learned from developing intersectoral policy at the local level could be applied at the national level.

The possible inclusion of legal provisions in Islamic banking and finance

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 662-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carino Modan ◽  
Rusni Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Investment Funds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Banking And Finance ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to thoroughly examine the extent to which the current legal and regulatory framework is inclusive towards Islamic banking and finance (IBF) practices in the attempts to introduce IBF as a significant component in the Mozambique’s financial system. This is achieved by providing a critical review on the Mozambican current legal and regulatory framework including the court and arbitration system, as well as the country’s financial institutions law and regulations. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this study is the qualitative approach. The analysis made is based on descriptive and analytical approach whereby the study examined and critically analysed the banking regulations in Mozambique with the purpose of finding the legal gap in the existing legal and regulatory framework that allows the introduction of IBF in the country. Findings This study finds that whilst some legal provisions in the current legal and regulatory framework are conflicting with the Sharï’ah principles such as the definition of loans and the concept of interest, there is also a certain number of enabling features that can be immediately explored, including deposits (with no interest), leasing operations, investment funds or venture capital. Research limitations/implications At present, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt ever made to assess the compatibility of the existing Mozambican commercial laws with the Islamic principles hence identifying the challenges that might arise due to the implementation of IBF practices in Mozambique. Practical implications This paper has several practical implications in the sense that it helps the financial market authorities in Mozambique to be able to foresee possible inclusion of provisions on Islamic transactions in the country’s existing financial regulations. Social implications The contributions of this paper lie in the valuable recommendations made on the insertion of Islamic principles in the current regulatory framework as well as assisting in overcoming some of the conflicting aspects in medium to long term. Mozambique should explore and benefit from the experience and lessons learned by the neighbouring countries that have successfully adopted the IBF practice. It is recommended that the Central Bank should establish a “task force team”, comprising of multi-skilled professionals and experts in Islamic finance from various internal areas ranging from licensing to supervision together with Sharï’ah scholars and representatives from the Muslim Community, to study the required process for adoption of IBF in the country. Originality/value There is no other study on IBF in Mozambique, particularly on legal and regulatory aspects.

scholarly journals Joint Statement on CoVID-19 Pandemic in India: Review of Current Strategy and the Way Forward

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2 (Supp)) ◽  
pp. 170-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay K. Rai ◽  
Sanjay Zodpey ◽  
Sanghamitra Ghosh ◽  
A Kadri
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
State Level ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Joint Task ◽  
Joint Task Force ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Experts

A Joint  Task  Force of eminent public health experts of India was constituted by IPHA, and IAPSM to  help the Government of India for containment of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The terms of reference of the Joint Task Force was to 1) To review and collate the scientific epidemiological literature pertaining to COVID-19 in India at national and state level; 2) To develop consensus amongst the experts regarding COVID-19 disease epidemiology and trends and develop action plan based on the  consensus; 3) To widely disseminate the consensus statement and action plan with  public health experts, other medical professional associations and other key stakeholders; 4) To share the consensus statement with the policy makers at highest level at centre and state.

scholarly journals Adopting State-Level Policy to Support Physical Activity Among School-Aged Children and Adolescents: Georgia’s SHAPE Act

2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9S-15S ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney S. Lyn ◽  
Erica R. Sheldon ◽  
Michael P. Eriksen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
State Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
Health And Physical Education ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Education Act

Physical inactivity among children is a public health problem associated with low levels of fitness, obesity, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Public health experts have identified policies targeting physical activity as a promising strategy to address this challenge. Understanding the process by which such policies are adopted may help to facilitate progress nationally. To examine lessons learned from the passage of the Student Health and Physical Education Act in Georgia, we conducted 15 interviews with people engaged in the adoption of the act. We found that several factors were vital to policy adoption: a shifting social and political climate, the organization and mobilization of diverse partners behind a common agenda, and the development of strategies to overcome impediments to legislative progress. These findings suggest that engagement and cooperation with partners, establishment of mutual interests as a basis for collaboration, and grassroots outreach and advocacy can facilitate adoption of policies that promote physical activity.

Major Cities and Disease Crises: A Comparative Perspective

1989 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ira Cohen ◽  
Ann Elder
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Mandatory Reporting ◽  
Political Campaigns ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
The Face ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Effective Treatments

Any communicable disease that strikes urban populations poses difficult problems for public health officials. First, treatment in the early stages of these diseases may be based primarily on guesswork; before the etiology of the disease is fully known, public health officials are often prompted by public fear to take action to curb and treat the disease (Terris, 1985). Second, even when effective treatments have been identified, these may be politically costly. When dealing with communicable diseases, responsible public health professionals have at times concluded that measures such as quarantine, mass screening, or mandatory reporting of the disease are necessary. Mandatory reporting of previous sexual partners by carriers of any sexually transmitted diseases may prove embarrassing or destructive to an individual’s business or social life. In the face of such threats, individuals who face such measures may mount political campaigns against them, making them risky for public health officials. Third, even when effective treatments are known, they may be very expensive to administer and may tax existing public facilities (hospitals, clinics) and funding for public health.

scholarly journals P025 Clinical pearl; treating infant botulism on a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. e2.29-e2
Author(s):  
Caroline Dalton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medicinal Product ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
List Type ◽  
California Department ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Infant Botulism

ProblemA call was received out of hours by the specialist PICU pharmacist (SP). A five month old baby with rapidly spreading paralysis of unknown cause had been admitted to the unit. A toxin had been extracted from the stool culture and tested on mice. Within hours all mice had died, confirming a positive result for Botulism toxin. The SP was asked to obtain an urgent supply of Human Botulism Anti-Toxin however the only worldwide manufacturer/supplier, the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), is based in California.1 BabyBIG, Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (BIG-IV), is an orphan drug that consists of human-derived anti-botulism toxin antibodies that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infant botulism types A and B in patients <1 year old.Pharmacist contributionsDay 1: After confirmation with PHE (Public Health England) that the use of their heptavalent horse botulisum anti-toxin would be inappropriate, it was suggested that a supply should be obtained from the USA. SP phoned the IBTPP on call consultant and discussed need for an urgent supply.Consequently SP ensured the appropriate provision and recording of required information and the seamless transition of relevant paperwork.Day 2: SP liaised with the Clinical Director for Children’s Services, the PHE consultant on call and the Trust Silver on call manager to authorise large out of hours drug expenditure. Prompt authorised signature of contract between the above parties was arranged by SP via email. SP contacted the MHRA duty officer on call to obtain an import permit authorisation letter (Notification of Intent to Import an Unlicensed Medicinal Product) to allow for this unlicensed import of a human medicinal product from outside the EEA, re-affirming this was of urgent clinical need.Trust Chief Pharmacist was alerted to the situation by SP, and access to the to the Trust import/specials licence required by the MHRA was granted to the SP to finalise the MHRA import licence. A courier from California was organised by SP liaising with the on call IBTPP consultant, ensuring all paperwork was accurately completed. Dosing, administration and reconstitution advice was given by SP to PICU medical and nursing staff via email. SP immediately confirmed receipt via phone and provided clarification of this when required. SP remained contactable throughout the weekend to resolve any queries the staff had with regards to BabyBIG.Day 3: The SP attempted contact with border control at Heathrow airport to ensure a timely transition through customs and liaised with the courier in the UK to ensure rapid delivery once BabyBIG had been cleared. Allowing sufficient transit time from Heathrow, the SP then called to confirm receipt of BabyBIG on PICU.Outcome and lessons learnedBabyBIG obtained and patient treated successfully, avoiding potential for serious complications and dramatically reducing PICU and overall inpatient stay. A cost analysis done by SP confirmed treatment with BabyBIG reduced overall Trust spend on this admission by half; accounting for average expected PICU stay for infant botulism cases(∼6 weeks) versus this patient’s stay (∼1.5 weeks).ReferencesDivision of Communicable Disease Control, California Department of Public Health. Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program [online] California Department of Public Health, 2010. (accessed 02 Aug 2018) Available from: http://www.infantbotulism.org/general/babybig.phpSave

Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo: Lessons Learned, or Ignored?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Charles Beadling ◽  
David Brett-Major ◽  
Melinda Hamer ◽  
Kelly Vest ◽  
Timothy Muyimbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Republic Of Congo

ABSTRACT Infectious diseases became an increasing public health threat as humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to stable, agrarian communities. It is accurate to say the international community was not optimally prepared for the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa, which eventually spread and caused secondary cases in the United States. From that experience, much was learned about the management of an EVD outbreak, from prevention and treatment, to the need for a “whole of society” response. However, it is clear from the evidence that much still needs to be done to improve preparedness for Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases in the region. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo both mirrors these challenges and demonstrates new ones reflected in violence, hampering efforts to prevent spread of EVD within and beyond the country. The journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness (DMPHP) is taking a forward-looking approach, establishing a task force of editors to quickly review and approve manuscripts relating to EVD for immediate electronic publication and open access. The intent is to make emerging information available to front-line responders and policy decision-makers as quickly as possible.

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