IN FOCUS Seminars - Community Health: Achieving Global Impact Through Local Engagement (Commuter)

Controlling infectious diseases and reducing chronic diseases are no longer just the responsibility of national governments, private health care institutions, city departments of public health, or community physicians. COVID-19, heart disease, strokes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, obesity and diabetes, substance abuse such as opioids, tobacco and alcohol, and a range of health safety issues are now the major causes of death throughout the world. In addition, especially in low resource countries and communities, people are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV and AIDS, Zika, Ebola, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Diarrheal diseases, as well as other viruses, parasites and antibiotic resistant bacteria. With the understanding that a healthy society is also a more economically productive society, there is an increased emphasis on reducing the burden of disease in local communities throughout the world. As a result, there is an enormous increase in the number of community service programs that are being implemented by the three sectors of society, public, private and civil society. This course provides an opportunity to evaluate a community service program in Chicago that addresses a global health issue. You will study global and local mechanisms and patterns of the circulation of disease, and their relation to environmental, cultural, socio-economic, and political influences. You will explore roles and programs of global and local public, private and civil society sectors in addressing specific health issues. You will be expected to identify a local organization or program prior to the start of the course, with which you would like to volunteer. You will examine the programs and the geographical regions of these organizations and identify the specific opportunities and roles that are available to you as a volunteer. Special attention will be given to understanding due diligence, accountability, and mechanisms for measuring impact.