"Public health in America at a breaking point. The question is now 'Can it recover?'"
USA Today interviewed Dr. Jody Heymann about the need for an improved public health and healthcare system in the U.S.
Before the pandemic, America's public health system was the envy of the world.
In late 2019, the Globe Health Security Index ranked the United States best among 195 nations in terms of being prepared to handle a public health crisis, well ahead of the next best country, the United Kingdom.
That changed fast. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information less than a year later found the United States ranked "worst globally" in terms of numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Faculty Referenced by this Article
Dr. Michelle S. Keller is a health services researcher whose research focuses on the use and prescribing of high-risk medications.
Professor of Community Health Sciences & Health Policy and Management, and Associate Dean for Research
EMPH Academic Program Director with expertise in healthcare marketing, finance, and reproductive health policy, teaching in the EMPH, MPH, MHA program
Dr. Ron Andersen is the Wasserman Professor Emeritus in the UCLA Departments of Health Policy and Management.
Nationally recognized health services researcher and sociomedical scientist with 25+ years' experience in effectiveness and implementation research.
Related Content
USAID funding helped save 91 million lives over the past 20 years—new analysis warns that recent U.S. aid cuts could now put that progress at risk
Read Full Article
The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health celebrated 390 graduating students in a ceremony at Royce Hall.
Read Full Article