We are not going to program ourselves out of this one.
Originally posted on Instagram:
One of my coworkers said this last week. It’s not the first time I heard the phrase. But this time, it hit kinda different!
Haha, so I will break down my thoughts on this simple but important phrase.
When we think of public health, often you may think of this or that program that is in place to help solve a specific issue. Though this/that programming is hugely hugely important. More often than not, it is truly a bandaid to the f*%cked systems that are in place around us – where we live, work, & play.
Don’t get it?
Think about an issue. Any issue.
Prison recidivism, food insecurity, transportation, substance misuse, mental health, access to health care, ACEs, health inequity, wealth inequity, recreation inequities, built environment inequities, yadda, yadda, the list goes on (Unfortunately).
The list goes on precisely because the systems that have been set up are systems that wholeheartedly do not value population health.
They much rather value profit at large scales which continues to devastate communities of colour, rural communities, unde-rresourced communities, marginalized communities, etc.
Programs are important, but if you are just planning to program for program sake… Please shift that energy. Think about how your program can engage a larger audience, learn about how you can be an advocate for your issue in addition to the wonderful programing your provide.
The fact of the matter is we have so many programs because we have countless amounts of inequities in the systems we are entrenched in. How can we get to real change that impacts and helps communities that need it the most?
Equitable systems change.
We have had food banks and food pantries for decades now.
Do we need these? Absolutely.
Do they need food now? Yes.
Do they deserve to be able to afford their own food and a better life? Yes – then we need equitable systems change.
We need change so that these families have access to local affordable healthy food. Access to livable wages and jobs with benefits. Access to transportation to get to healthy food options.
Access to equitable systems that support and empower ALL populations up their best health.
