The Ebola code of silence: Column

In USA Today David J. Dausey, the dean of the School of Health Professions and Public Health at Mercyhurst University speaks out to Americans about the importance of funding for public health.  His argument is important because it makes sense that we need to be prepared for the worse: "Many public health departments in the past few years have had to cut critical programs and initiatives due to dramatic funding cuts. There is no other way to slice it — our public health system is not ready to deal with a challenge like Ebola if the situation takes a turn for the worse."  This argument is directed toward health care professionals to persuade them that diseases can be and are our greatest threats to society, not just terrorism.  By proving this matter, David Dausey hopes to sway our public and health officials of the importance to raise the budget.  This is a valid point because the Ebola outbreak is rapidly rising in Africa and for the first time diagnosed in America.  As of now there are no vaccines for the Ebola virus.  David Dausey argues that our nation is giving an overly optimistic approach in dealing with this virus but the truth is we are not as prepared as health officials and politicians make it seem: "The lack of infectious disease outbreaks gave the public the idea that public health was no longer a concern and policymakers capitalized on this by taking away funding for public health."  Cutting public funds is a huge mistake in the long run when we are faced with deadly contagious diseases.  It is best to be safe than sorry.  Like all natural disasters, we must be prepared to deal with it.