Public health issues have been described as early as biblical times when lepers were cast out from societies for fear of contagion. The health status of populations has been studied for hundreds of years, from early attempts at immunization against smallpox by the Chinese in the 8th Century to the subsequent eradication of the disease in the 20th Century.

PUBLIC HEALTH BACKGROUND

Overall, the health of the American population has improved due to treatment and technology but disparities among minority populations in the areas of morbidity, mortality, and the prevention and treatment of communicable and chronic diseases continue to be prevailing causes of concern in these communities. In 2000, African American and Hispanic children accounted for 80% of all pediatric AIDS cases. African American and Hispanic women represent 78% of all HIV-infected women, while HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among African American men between the ages of 25 and 44 (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC). With regards to cancer screening and management, African Americans have more malignant tumors than the general population and are less likely to survive cancer (American Cancer Society). African Americans are twice as likely as their counterparts to have type-2 diabetes and suffer from amputations, kidney disease, and other diabetes-related complications at higher rates (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). With these statistics, it is undeniable that chronic, as well as communicable diseases devestate the entire minority family. What can we do to stop this destruction of our community?

The need for quantitative health sciences is tremendous, however the need for minorities trained in these fields is even larger. Programs are needed to broaden the opportunities and experiences for minority students who wish to enter the fields of biostatistics, epidemiology and occupational safety and health.