When in Columbus, Tour Like a Public Health Pro
May 29th, 2024, will forever be etched in our minds as the day we explored the depths of public health—and had a blast doing it! Armed with curiosity and accompanied by our delightful Norwegian friends, we embarked on a fun-filled adventure through the Columbus Public Health (CPH) Building. Spoiler alert: it was enlightening, educational, and sprinkled with moments that made us chuckle!
From Blind School to Beacon of Health
Our journey kicked off with a warm welcome from Ms. Tiffany Krauss, MSN, RN, the chief nursing officer at CPH. Her enthusiasm set the tone for the day. Ms. Beth Ransopher, REHS MEP, then took us on a fascinating trip down memory lane, revealing that the CPH building once housed the Ohio State School for the Blind back in the mid-1800s. Who knew? Talk about a building with layers of history!
Beth didn’t stop at the historical tidbits. She dove into the importance of public health and shared CPH’s role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a humbling reminder of the tireless efforts of health professionals in times of crisis.
A Tour of Health Wonders
Next up, Ms. Courtney Daniels, MSN, RN, walked us through the intricacies of clinical health operations and nursing education at CPH. We were ready for a break after soaking up so much knowledge, but the adventure was just beginning.
We toured various clinics within CPH, including the Women’s Health & Wellness Center, Sexual Health & Wellness Center, Immunization Clinic, and the Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. And speaking of TB…
Front of Informational Handouts describing the clinical services provided at the CPH.
Back of Informational Handouts describing the clinical services provided at the CPH.
Women’s Health and Wellness Center
Immunization Clinic
TB: A Poster Child for Health Disparities
Our TB Clinic tour was eye-opening. We learned that TB is often a glaring example of health disparities and inequities. The treatment regimen is no joke—patients must take their pills daily under supervision for six months, and if drug resistance is an issue, more complex treatments follow. The fact that no new first-line drug has been developed since 1968 left us aghast. On a positive note, TB cases have dropped from 7,000 to 200 this year, with 70 cases in Franklin County. Progress, but there’s still work to be done.
Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic
Playing Detective: A Public Health Case Study
Post-tour, we put on our public health professional hats for an interactive case study. In small groups, we investigated a mock scenario involving a 7-year-old (played by yours truly) who fell ill after returning from a sleepaway camp. The symptoms? Bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. We honed our investigative skills, asking detailed questions about symptom onset, camp activities, and potential exposures. After some detective work, we pinpointed the culprit: E. Coli-contaminated red meat from the camp cookout. Who knew public health could feel like an episode of “CSI”?
Trivia and Tunes
Our day didn’t end there. We wrapped up with a lively music trivia night at a local eatery with our Norwegian companions. It was the perfect blend of brainy fun and camaraderie, reminding us that learning and laughter go hand in hand.
Dr. Stephen McGhee joins us and our Norwegian friends as we battle it out during Music Trivia Night!
Reflections and Takeaways
Our time at CPH highlighted the importance of SDG 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The ongoing battle against TB and other infectious diseases exemplifies the need for sustained efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. By addressing TB rates and enhancing patient adherence to treatment, we can make significant strides toward achieving SDG 3. One aha moment was realizing just how much effort goes into pinpointing disease sources. It’s not just about medical knowledge; it’s about thorough questioning and critical thinking.
Until Next Time…
May 29th, 2024, will be remembered not just for what we learned but for the bonds we formed and the fun we had. Here’s to more adventures in public health—and to making a difference, one day at a time.