Public Health IS...
Public health is everything we do, as a society, to help people live longer, healthier lives. It’s the reason your water is safe to drink, your kids need vaccines for school, and restaurants post health inspection grades. It’s tracking viruses before they spread, preparing for hurricanes, and making sure communities have the tools to recover after disasters. Public health professionals work behind the scenes to prevent disease, protect people from environmental hazards, and ensure health care systems are ready when we need them. It’s not about treating one person at a time—it’s about protecting all of us, everywhere, every day. From preventing opioid overdoses to improving nutrition in school lunches, public health makes life safer, cleaner, and healthier. You don’t always see it, but you benefit from it constantly. When public health is strong, we thrive. When it’s underfunded or ignored, we all feel the consequences. That’s why public health matters—and why we need more people to keep this vital work going.
Safe Drinking Water
Studying U.S. water systems to balance pathogen control and chemical risks while improving protecting communities is at the heart of public health.
Bike Lanes & Safe Streets
Learn about the work we're doing.
Disease-vector Control
Climate change is expanding the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and Zika. With increasing resistance to insecticides, research focuses on improving detection, community awareness, and researching universal mosquito-saliva-based vaccines.
Cancer Prevention
Research has shown that interventions that de-stigmatize HPV, promote routine screening, and foster acceptance can improve cervical cancer prevention.
Understanding How Climate Iapacts Health
Learn about the work we're doing.
Heart Healthy Nutrition
Learn about the work we're doing.
Preparedness & Disaster Management
WSPH hosts the CDC-funded Region 6 Center for Health Security, and a recent $4 million grant will enhance local and tribal readiness through training, partnerships, and evidence-based strategies for future emergencies.
Maternal and Child Health
Learn more about the work we're doing.
Accessible Mammograms
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a steep drop in mammogram rates among nearly 45,000 low-income Louisiana women, potentially worsening cancer outcomes. Despite post-pandemic recovery, further study on the impact of delayed screenings across racial and socioeconomic groups is needed.
Tracking Bird Flu
What the average person need to know about bird flu, the seriousness of the problem, and how do we protect ourselves.
Controlling Dust in Mines
Learn more about the work we're doing.
Curbing STI Outbreaks
Learn more about the work we're doing.
