History of Public Health in Chicago, Research Paper Example

Chicago Public Health

During the year 1832, Cholera devastated the city of Chicago and is attributed with high mortality rates. Due to this, Chicago took its first action against this disease through a public health initiative. Residents turned towards the state for financial help and the state enlisted men between 21 o 60 years of age to clean up Chicago’s dirty streets and alleys. People who refused to comply with these mandatory measures are given monetary penalties, amounting to 75 centavos to five dollars. Health officials of Chicago believed that Cholera came from filth and spreads through water systems. By 1837, residents of Chicago still continue to contract Cholera, thus a charter was created which included a health officer and the establishment of the Board of Health. Officers were tasked to inspect food markets, the creation of a specialized or quarantine hospital, regular visitation of residents and in the preparation of death certificates. By the 1850’s Cholera has been greatly reduced although those who supported the Board of Health slowly dwindled down

As we have seen through Chicago’s history of public health, certain health functions have changed as time passed. Initially, public health was merely utilized during times of disease outbreaks or occurrences. Today, it is evident that public health is more than just a response to health outbreaks. Data is now collected and surveillance is done to monitor the numbers of people affected and set out objectives that would prove beneficial in the long run. Accordingly, the health department of Chicago took a more pro-active stand by implementing vaccination, cleaning up the community and providing education classes. Program evaluation is another important factor so as to be able to assess the

References

Bonner, Thomas Neville (1957) Medicine in Chicago, 1850–1950: A Chapter in the Social and Scientific Development of a City.

Ginzberg, Eli, Howard S. Berliner, and Miriam Ostow (1993) Changing U.S. Health Care: A Study of Four Metropolitan Areas.

Haas, Shirley (1985) 150 Years of Municipal Health Care in the City of Chicago: Board of Health, Department of Health, 1835–1985.