The same but different is inherently not the same

In a recent article in the online version of Bitch magazine, Meg Stone asks us to stop and think about what would happen if we devoted as much attention and resources to public health matters such as rape, domestic violence, and racially disparities in health outcomes, as we currently are to stopping the spread of swine flu, H1N1.

More importantly than asking what would happen, Stone asks us to think about why we don't.

Central to her call for more attention and resources for more widespread health issues is Stone's contention that the way we are dealing with H1N1 is the way public health should look.

In watching the rapid mobilization against this virus I know that the public health infrastructure works when our government, our media, and our medical leaders are motivated to mobilize it. H1N1 is not getting any attention it shouldn’t – it’s getting the attention all public health crises should.