Partnering to advance public health: making a difference through government, community, business, and academic vocations.

Abstract

An earlier version of this editorial was delivered by the author as the convocation address for the 2003 graduating class of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, April 27, 2003. This issue of the Journal is dedicated to the 2003 graduating class of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and by extension to all who devote themselves to improving the health and lives of people throughout the world. We welcome you into this new phase of your lives and into our profession, where you have committed yourselves to advancing the core public health values of social justice and health as a human right. We need you and treasure you, with your hard-won skills, thirst for knowledge, and desire to make this world a better place. And regardless of where you next serve public health—be it in local, state, or federal government; a community-based organization or program; any number of businesses, from communication ventures to private health care facilities; or in academia, teaching students and conducting research—know that you are well placed to make a difference in the health and lives of those you are advocating for, and that you are not alone.