There are several controversies that have plagued the public health system: mental illness, vaccinations, abortion and contraception, sexuality, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and firearm injuries, just to name a few. Debates on morality and individuality have constantly afflicted public health interventions, especially when establishing laws for the community to improve health. Society has redefined the importance of fighting disease or threats to healthy living.

Identify an important public health issue in your community that is controversial and under attack. After selecting the public health problem, address the following issues.

Explain the background of the public health issue and the goal of public health officials.

Discuss the goal of public health officials and their application of the core functions of public health.

Explain the controversy (include both sides of the argument).

Identify the possible future consequences of this dilemma.

The case study must be a minimum of three pages in length, excluding the title and reference pages. To support your ideas, use a minimum of two outside sources; one may be the textbook. Additionally, use a source that focuses on your community, such as a newspaper or journal article.

Assignment must be formatted using APA style, including in-text citations and references.

References

Bill Moyers (Producer). (1995). Gun violence as public health issue (Segment 11 of 15) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=5485&loid=63039

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preventive health care. Getaway to health communication and social marketing practice. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/PreventiveHealth.html

Lacroix, A. (n.d.). Public health concept (ID 7974598) [Graphic]. Retrieved from https://www.dreamstime.com

Patil, R. (2011). Public health controversies: Common characteristics. Journal of Global Infectious Diseases, 3(1), 97. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/apps/doc/A251166264/HRCA?u=oran95108&sid=HRCA&xid=ba8a7000

Schneider, M.-J. (2017). Introduction to public health (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Patil, R. (2011). Public health controversies: Common characteristics. Journal of Global Infectious Diseases, 3(1), 97. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/apps/doc/A251166264/HRCA?u=oran95108&sid=HRCA&xid=ba8a7000