University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Dennis P. Scanlon professor of health policy and administration

Book Title: The Contested Boundaries of American Public Health

Author: edited by James Colgrove, Gerald Markowitz, and David Rosner

Selection Statement:

The Contested Boundaries of American Public Health addresses one of the most important domestic issues in the U.S. today—who is responsible for the population’s health? Is it the federal and state governments, individuals, employers, Medicare? Is it some combination of these? The book uses specific examples (from the federal response to Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 in NYC to the debate about motorcycle helmet laws in some states) written by various researchers, to demonstrate how the answer to this question is complicated and depends on one’s personal values and view of the role of government. I contributed a chapter to this book, along with a colleague of mine, that examined the role that employers play in helping to protect and promote health in the U.S. through the provision of employer sponsored health benefits. I’ve used the book in courses I teach, including a seminar for Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy, and I believe the book effectively helps to facilitate both critical thinking and learning on a very important topic.


Year: 2010