Original Article: PDF OnlyBuilding a Constituency for Public HealthGebbie, Kristine M. Author Information Kristine M. Gebbie, RN, DrPH, is Elizabeth Standish Gill Assistant Professor of Nursing at Columbia University School of Nursing in New York, New York. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice: January 1997 - Volume 3 - Issue 1 - p 4-11 Buy Abstract Many in public health seek to build a constituency to speak on behalf of public health and population-based approaches to health improvement. The head of a state health agency has unique opportunities to facilitate building a constituency. Defining the mission of public health and of the public health agency, building relationships with local public health entities and use of an advisory board are all effective methods. The task can only be done, however, when the director is visible, and vulnerable to criticism, open to change and input, and willing to collaborate creatively even with those holding strongly divergent views. © Aspen Publishers, Inc.
