Starsky

Lorraine Starsky, RN, BSN

Diabetes Nurse Consultant
Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Allegheny County Health Department

How would you describe public health today?

Public health works to influence ways to solve health problems for the community as a whole. Public health practice is moving away from providing direct care and it is playing a larger role in connecting the dots in order to improve people’s health.

What do you do as a public health nurse?

I work to improve the health of people in Allegheny County living with diabetes, especially for those who are severely underserved. As a public health nurse I don’t necessarily provide direct care. Instead I practice what I call “shoe leather public health,” which means I do a lot of walking around communities, seeking partners on a grassroots level. I work with community groups, health care providers, barbers shops, libraries, and churches to help people in Allegheny County prevent or manage diabetes.

How can individuals promote public health?

You can make a difference: Individuals can be advocates for public health and can work on any level. Whenever you see something that needs to change, know that you can make a difference.

Communicate with policymakers: Write to your legislators, show up at County Council meetings, and go to local school district board meetings. Make leaders, whether at the local, state, or national level, accountable for ensuring the public’s health.

Spread the news: Write letters to the editor about health issues that affect the community.

Organize: Find people who feel the same as you do about an issue and work together.