The last year has brought disease prevention to the forefront of our minds. Right now, vaccines are a major focus of disease prevention. Black history month is a perfect month to look at disease prevention through major contributions to the vaccine movement by two important people.

Black History Month is a great time to acknowledge the contributions to public health by the many Black Americans who have saved lives and paved the way for better health. However, how do you choose who to share about from the expansive list of public health heroes? All public health is important to us, but for the sake of time, let’s focus on some programs where Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) staff directly provides for our community. Here are four Black public health leaders who have made an impact in those areas.