From the Editor

Public Health's Shared Goals

The “Crossing Borders” theme of this issue is especially satisfying because it has been a goal of every issue of this journal to reflect and connect with the diversity of the states and communities of the Northwest region. The journal benefits from having an Editorial Board that crosses the borders of public health practice and academia, and from having authors who bring a wide diversity of practice and academic perspectives.

An article about social capital in Libby, Montana, illustrates how public health issues can benefit from cross-disciplinary approaches. It is also one of four articles whose sole author or first author is a graduate student or recent graduate. The peer reviewers agreed with the editors that these young authors demonstrate high-quality research skills and great potential.

Several articles in this issue provide examples of US-Canada cross-border partnerships, highlighting the work of the Pacific NorthWest Border Health Alliance, the Arctic Council and its Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program, and comparative research on adolescent health indicators on both sides of the border.

Given our position as part of the Pacific Rim, our region has become increasingly connected to global public health issues. We are pleased to have contributions to an article about globally mobile population co-authored by Dr. Marty Cetron, Director for the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. Two other articles address aspects of public health for immigrants from Asia and from Mexico.

With almost 300 federally-recognized tribes in this region, understanding and working across tribal borders has been an important part of our public health work. This issue presents three articles that focus on tribal public health issues or programs:  an adolescent health initiative from the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, a cross-border initiative to promote sexual health among Arctic communities, and health disparities that affect Montana Indians.

We hope these perspectives can expand the awareness of challenges and opportunities presented by borders, and will inspire additional crossing of borders to advance the public health of the people and communities of our region.

Since 2008, this journal has benefitted from the enthusiastic and capable editorial services of Kathy Hall, who has been responsible for the hands-on development and delivery of five issues, many of which have won awards. Kathy has decided to retire from the university in June. She may be available to serve as advisor and consultant on future issues, but will no longer serve as managing editor. We would all like to thank Kathy for her excellent work and dedication, and wish her well as she explores other activities and opportunities. Look for the next issue of Northwest Public Health in spring 2012.

Susan Allan, Editor-in-Chief
Director, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
UW School of Public Health