Health promotion and public health

This chapter brings together key aspects of the roles for professional public health experts and social workers. The field of public health social work brings together many of the roles of the two professions so as to be of service to various groups. A key focus among both professions is the appreciation of the health and well-being of communities in which individuals, families, and groups live, work, and play. Professionals work on health promotion strategies that enhance the health and well-being and address the social determinants of health. Public health social workers use various interventions to assure community health and well-being including advocacy efforts to affect change in health policy, which stem from advances made through the Social Security Act (SSA) and more recently with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).