History of the MSM Public Health Summit
The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) Department of Community Health and Preventive
Medicine (CHPM) established Public Health Day in 2007 in observance of National Public
Health Week locally. Public Health Day at MSM is intended to educate public health
students, medical students, residents, physicians, public health professionals, researchers
and community members about emerging public health issues. To date, MSM CHPM has
held public health summits focused on emergency preparedness, cancer HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular
health and blood disorders. The first National Public Health Week was established
by President Clinton in 1995 to recognize the contributions of public health and raise
awareness about issues that are important to improving the public’s health in communities
across the United States. Each year, the National Public Health Week is observed
the first full week of April.
In 2010, the MSM CHPM held a conference in honor of Public Health Day and declared
all future Public Health Day activities as the Dr. Daniel S. Blumenthal Annual Public
Health Summit to honor the 35 year legacy of Dr. Blumenthal’s remarkable contributions
to medicine, community health and community empowerment.. Dr. Blumenthal served as
the MSM Department Chair of Community Health and Preventive Medicine for over 25 years
and has dedicated his life as a physician, teacher and public health professional
giving public service to communities across Atlanta, Georgia and internationally towards
the eradication of diseases, the promotion of health and the elimination of health
disparities.