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300.650.81
Crisis and Response in Public Health Policy and Practice

Location
Internet
Term
3rd Term
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
TBD
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Introduction to Online Learning

Description
It has famously been said that one should never let a good crisis go to waste. Public health has never done so. From the sulfanilamide and thalidomide scandals that forged the modern FDA, to the scares that forever changed vaccine policy, to the recent Ebola crisis that could reshape international health, much in public health policy has emerged in response to a real or perceived catastrophe.
Studies the phenomenon of crises in public health. From a historical perspective, demonstrates how much of U.S. public health policy traces back to crises and responses that riveted public attention. Explains how substantial increases in FDA authority came about through serial crises in drug, device, food and tobacco markets. Shows that modern vaccine infrastructure emerged out of both disease and vaccine-related crises. From a management perspective, reviews how public health leaders at all levels respond to crises – the good, the bad and the ugly. From a strategic perspective, explores how health officials effectively manage crisis and response in order to win significant policy advances. Uses past and present examples to understand the role of crisis, how public health leaders respond during a crisis, and how a crisis can be an opportunity to bring about long-term change. While most examples are U.S.-based, there are opportunities to discuss these issues in an international context.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the central role of crises in the development of food and medical product regulation in the United States
  2. Explain how the progress of the vaccination effort has been linked to the perceptions of how well or how poorly crises have been handled
  3. Analyze key elements of effective and ineffective day-to-day responses to crises at the local, state, national, and global levels
  4. Articulate how public health leaders can manage existing crises effectively to win significant, long-term policy advances
  5. Evaluate the pros and cons of public health leaders' deliberate use of the language of crisis
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Participation
  • 30% Final Exam
  • 60% Paper(s)