Ever feel like we're taking two steps back for every step forward in public health? Like all the progress we've made is being undone through budget cuts and policy rollbacks? You're not alone. In this episode of Public Health Curated, we explore how change actually happens in public health and share practical strategies for sustaining both hope and impact during challenging times.
Key Takeaways
- Public health progress follows cyclical patterns, not linear advancement
- Understanding historical patterns of change can help sustain hope
- Strategic approaches can maintain impact even during resistance phases
- Building long-term infrastructure creates resilience against policy shifts
Episode Highlights
The Progress Pattern Framework
Public health change typically follows predictable phases:
- Advancement Phase: When problems are identified and initial interventions created
- Integration Phase: When approaches are widely adopted and systems begin to change
- Resistance Phase: When success breeds complacency and political priorities shift
- Consolidation Phase: When core advancements become permanently integrated into systems
Practical Strategies for Challenging Times
1. Practice Strategic Hope, Not Blind Optimism
Focus on identifying which elements of progress are most likely to survive the current resistance phase, rather than becoming discouraged by temporary setbacks.
2. Look for "Pockets of Possibility"
When larger initiatives stall, refocus on local opportunities and building foundations that can support broader change when conditions improve.
3. Build Long-Game Infrastructure
Create systems that can weather policy changes by:
- Training community leaders
- Documenting impact evidence
- Building networks that don't depend solely on government funding
Your Action Steps
Try the "Horizon Mapping" exercise:
- Draw three horizontal lines labeled "1-Year Horizon," "5-Year Horizon," and "Generational Horizon"
- For each timeline, identify actions you can take regardless of current constraints
- When facing rollbacks, ask three key questions:
- "What can we protect?"
- "What can we document?"
- "Where can we innovate?"
Join the Conversation
Share your long-game strategy using #PHCLongGame. Let's build a community of impact-shapers who understand how to navigate the cycles of change with both determination and hope.
About the Host: Veronica Sek-Shubert, MPH, is the founder of Public Health Curated and a DrPH candidate at Tulane University. With over 15 years of experience in non-for-profit and public health spaces, she's dedicated to helping professionals rediscover their spark while creating meaningful system change.