Giving thanks for public health

To the editor:

Let's thank our Iowa public health professionals who go above and beyond to protect the health of all Iowans. Working in often under-resourced agencies, public health professionals dedicate their time and energy to combat disease outbreaks and other health threats. These behind the scene heroes keep our drinking water safe and air clean, develop vaccines, track and investigate infections, and protect us against health challenges such as the Ebola virus, obesity, foodborne illnesses, natural disasters and much more.

Public health professionals focus on preventing disease and injury by promoting healthy lifestyles. They implement educational programs, develop policies, administer services, conduct research, and regulate health systems to achieve these goals.

The Iowa Public Health Association marked Nov. 23 as Public Health Thank You Day and saluted Iowa's public health heroes. However, we know that public health is fundamental to every sector, every day. Healthy kids are better prepared to learn; a healthy workforce is more productive; and healthy communities thrive.

Jeneane Moody

Des Moines