Strengthening the Public Health System and Services through Medical Toxicologists Capacity Building Assistance Program: Strategies and Activities, Short-Intermediate- and Long-Term Outcomes - Today's list of current and emerging public health threats is long and includes exposure to toxicological agents such as lead (in drinking water, lead service lines, and consumer products) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); chemicals spills and disasters and emergency preparedness and response; and a rise in substance use disorders and the opioid crisis. Often the communities and individuals most impacted by these threats are disadvantaged and marginalized. Given their unique expertise, training, and interest in toxicological exposures and poisonings, medical toxicologists have a critical role to play in the public health response to these threats. This capacity building assistance program to improve medical toxicologists’ public health competencies in risk communication, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and the public health response, social determinants of health and health disparities; and to increase collaboration and integration with governmental public health will lead to a strengthened public health system and improved health outcomes, especially among those most impacted.
