Dean Randy Wykoff provided the keynote address at the 3rd annual State of Public Health Conference sponsored by the University of Georgia. The
conference brought together almost 300 faculty, working professionals, and public
health students to hear a range of presentations of cutting edge topics.
Dr. Wykoff spoke about Understanding and Improving Health: Lessons from Central Appalachia.
Using Georgia-specific data, he explained to the audience the importance of understanding
that economic development, poverty, and educational non-achievement all have a strongly
negative impact on health. He called on public health professionals in Georgia to
reach beyond their usual partners in the healthcare sector and to develop partnerships
with people working in economic development and in education. These are areas where
we have worked together, effectively, for a number of years in central Appalachia.
said Wykoff. I believe that this is part of the reason that we are seeing improving
health statistics in our region. While the specific challenges that they face in
Georgia are slightly different than those we face in our region, the general concepts
and approaches are similar.
I was honored to be invited to speak at their conference, and, especially honored
by the large and enthusiastic audience. Wykoff added. Whether in Georgia, central
Appalachia, or in the developing world, there has probably not been a more important
time for effective public health leadership.
