“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane” ~Martin Luther King

I’m currently working on a master of public health degree at George Washington University in Washington DC. My passion for public health began when, during an alternative spring break to the Center for Development in Central America in Nicaragua with my undergraduate university.   During our stay we met with a group of banana workers who had been sickened by a banned pesticide (NEMAGON) the companies had used. Hearing tell their story, many who were battling cancer as a result of their exposure, was a pivotal moment for me. I will never forget that meeting and have devoted my life to helping people.

Elpis and Justice is my small attempt to address health inequity. This topic speaks powerfully to me. I am disturbed that a woman must face more hardship than a man, an African American must die younger than a Caucasian, and that in the United States income is the number one determinant of whether or not a person will live in pain. What disturbs me more is that such patterns are not random, nor are they genetic. I believe that every person, no matter their race, gender, nationality, sexual preference, etc. is entitled to a long, healthy, and happy life.

Spending much of my time in the “public health only, public health all the time” box, it’s easy for me to forget that not everyone knows about health inequity. Many are complacent that it is okay for wealth to determine health, others are misinformed. Most seem pretty interested in learning! I hope to use this blog to share what I’ve paid a lot of money for learned in school.

I’d also like to encourage people, especially minorities (which I am not) to consider a career in public health. You are needed! There are great jobs available! The public health community loves you and wants you to join us as a peer!

About The Banner

The butterfly banner on my blog is by Krista Bjork, a talented young photographer from Iceland. If you would like to see more of her beautiful work, please check out her photo stream here. Be sure to comment on photos you like!

Want to learn more?

  • Add me to your RSS feed, stay up to date on current posts
  • Check out my blogroll, especially the CDCA blog!
  • What is public health anyway?
  • Consider getting a degree in public health! Accredited schools are listed here

Disclaimer: I am a student, not an expert. I will do my best to cite solid, credible sources for my statements. I also have a dark sense of humor which is never meant to hurt or insult!