Respond

While exploring this module's resources, I reviewed the Ten Essential Public Health Services, which provide a nationally recognized framework for public health activities in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). From this framework, two services stood out: "Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues," and "Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts." These services are not only vital to the broader healthcare system but also highly relevant to my current and future roles.

First, informing and educating the public regarding transplants is essential because timely, accurate health education influences behaviors, promotes prevention, and builds trust. In transplant care, for example, patients require clear, ongoing education to manage complex post-operative regimens and understand their increased infection risks. As a leader, supporting education efforts for patients and staff is a direct way to improve safety and outcomes.

The second service, policy development, is foundational for aligning care with evidence-based standards and system-wide goals (CDC, 2022). Thoughtful policy planning ensures consistency, resource allocation, and accountability all of which are necessary for high-acuity units. I frequently engage in protocol updates, staff education, and interdepartmental planning, and I see how policies, when grounded in data and frontline feedback, can promote efficiency and equity. These skills are critical as I continue to grow in executive leadership.

For the service of public health education, key stakeholders include local health departments and community-based organizations. These groups are essential because they deliver health messaging in ways that reflect community needs and context, improving reach and effectiveness. For example, collaboration with transplant coordinators, educators, and outpatient teams mirrors this model at the clinical level. For policy development, professional nursing organizations and federal agencies such as the CDC are influential stakeholders. They bring clinical expertise and data-driven insight into the policymaking process (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2022). These groups are essential to bridge the gap between clinical practice and health system governance, ensuring that policies are both relevant and actionable. Understanding how these services operate and who is involved strengthens my ability to lead initiatives that are not only clinically sound but also aligned with broader public health goals.