From the late 19th to the mid-20th century, the aim of public health was controlling the harm from infectious diseases and was largely under control by the 1950’s. However, by mid 1970’s evidence was clearly showing that reducing illness, death, and rising health care costs could best be achieved through a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. At the very center of this new approach fit the role of the Health Educator.
A health educator is “a professionally prepared individual who serves in a variety of roles and is specifically trained to use appropriate educational strategies and methods to facilitate the development of policies, procedures, interventions, and systems conducive to the health of individuals, groups, and communities” (Joint Committee on Terminology, 2001 p 100).
This section will strive to bring recognition to the importance of Health Education as well as the role of the Health Educator. Other areas of focus will be fostering a cohesive group of Health Educators across the state of Kentucky and working toward a common goal of cutting edge health promotion initiatives.