We need that valuable perspective, training, and expertise to help build a Culture of Health and well-being, now more than ever. In the 20th century, our focus was on reducing deaths from communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia—and we succeeded, adding nearly 30 years of life expectancy to American lives. Now, in the 21st century, we face a different kind of “epidemic”—premature death caused by noncommunicable diseases driven, in turn, by the multiple determinants of health.
Across all ages and demographics, our nation suffers from increased rates of chronic conditions. We are living shorter, sicker lives than people in many other countries.
We can’t solve these problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them. We must improve health by creating fair and just opportunities for everyone, through systemic change that addresses urgent needs such as acute care, criminal justice reforms, and income assistance and improves vital conditions that enhance well-being—from education to employment to a healthy living environment. Every day, nurses work in the places where these urgent needs and vital conditions intersect.
Arturo Rodriguez, RN, MPH, CPM, a 2015 Culture of Health Prize winner, works at that intersection every day in Brownsville, Texas. Arturo, the local director of public health and wellness, led city efforts to turn an abandoned rail line into a multi-use, paved trail that not only encourages physical activity, but spurs residential pride. On any given day, you’ll find bikers, joggers, dog-walkers, and families out for a stroll on the new trail. The trail project has sparked other changes, too—such as an indoor smoking ban that is helping the community achieve better health. And Arturo has begun leadership training to sustain the work that’s been done in Brownsville, and train the next generation of public health nurses.
How do we replicate examples such as Arturo’s and harness this nation’s more than 3 million nurses to build healthier communities? By equipping nurses with the tools they need to practice truly population-focused nursing.