Health Affairs: What’s Next for Public Health?

Health Affairs recently published, “Public Health in Crisis: A sobering look at the state of public health in the U.S.” Despite a slight increase in life expectancy to 77.5 years in 2022, the U.S. lags behind in addressing the opioid crisis and health disparities impacting minorities. Moreover, institutions like the CDC face ideological and budgetary threats, leading to a decimated public health workforce.

Amid cries for increased funding and attention, the public health community grapples with its future. How can this diverse field align its priorities with the pressing needs of the public, especially in anticipation of 'the next pandemic'?  Reflecting on the insights of late public health pioneer Jonathan Mann, there's a call for a conceptual framework addressing societal roots of health problems and fostering a consensus for necessary societal changes.