Healing Gotham: New York City’s Public Health Policies for the Twenty-First Century - Softcover

"For the past two centuries, New York City has been both the source of many of the world’s most challenging urban public health problems and the cradle of its most innovative health solutions. In this timely, well-written, and engaging book, Bruce F. Berg focuses on the role of political and governance systems, giving Healing Gotham a perspective distinct from other accounts. Few scholars have offered in-depth investigations of the lessons learned from the city’s experiences in public health, and fewer still have considered multiple health issues."

"Berg systematically dissects the social, economic, and political forces shaping the policy responses of a leading public health department to five critical challenges―lead poisoning, asthma, AIDS, obesity, and West Nile virus. Both the policy specialist and more general reader will find this book absorbing and insightful."

"Berg's extensive research, keen analysis, and clear exposition, as well as his unique perspective as a political scientist, make this an invaluable resource for any policymaker, politician, health-care provider, or concerned citizen."

"Berg's book is important and useful―it shows what can be achieved in a complex, modern democracy, often against the odds."

"Covers a wide range of important political perspectives―from neoliberal to libertarian―that influence public health policy... An enjoyable read, this volume will be valuable to those interested in public health, bioethics, and the role of government in health care."

Throughout its history, New York City has been challenged by a variety of public health crises. Since the nineteenth century―when it became one of the first American cities to develop a comprehensive public health infrastructure―New York has also stood at the forefront of formulating and implementing urban health policy. Healing Gotham examines in depth how the city has responded to five serious contemporary public health threats: childhood lead poisoning, childhood asthma, HIV/AIDS, obesity, and West Nile virus.

Bruce F. Berg examines the rise and incidence of each condition in the city while explaining why the array of primary tools utilized by urban policy makers―including monitoring and surveillance, education, regulations, and the direct provision of services―have been successful in controlling public health problems. He also argues that forces such as race and ethnicity, New York City’s relationship to the state and federal government, the promotion of economic development, and the availability of knowledge related to preventing, treating, and managing illness all influence effective public health policy making.

By contrasting these five particular cases, this exciting study allows scholars and students to compare public health policy through time and across type. It also helps policy makers understand how best to develop and implement effective public health strategies around the United States.