How badly are leaders in public health needed? The statistics, both globally and in our community, tell us.

Consider these facts from Public Health–Dayton and Montgomery County:

• In 2021, 337 people in Montgomery County died from accidental overdoses, an increase of 255 percent from 2011.
• Almost a third of the population has low access to a grocery store, and more than half of the low-income population has low access to healthy foods.
• In 2016, there were 12.6 deaths per 1,000 live births among Montgomery county’s Black population, more than double the death rate of white births.
• In the most recent study, the Dayton area exceeded the Ohio average in preterm births, lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality rate, drug overdose death rate, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, obesity, being uninsured, and other key community health indicators.

Consider these facts from the World Health Organization:

• About 39 million people have died from AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic.
• About 45 percent of deaths among children under age 5 are linked to undernutrition.
• About 2.6 million children in 2016 died during the first month of life.
• About 2.3 billion people still do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines.

These statistics are only the tip of the iceberg. Leaders also help correct health inequities, reduce environmental hazards, create educational programs, conduct research, and promote policies and legislation that will lead to improved lives. Public Health at Wright State wants to work with you as you seek to become part of the solution.