Gilbert F. White

Abstract

For a long time activities in the public health field were organized principal-ly around the concept of disease control. More recently, applications of this ap-proach have tended to center upon efficiency analysis of health needs and cost effectiveness analysis of delivery systems, or on economic development. At the same time the idea of controlling environmental pollution gained prominence as a central concern of regulatory activities. A broader concept of human well-being in particular environments is now emerging. It draws together the other concepts and thereby emphasizes the harmonious relationship of human life to life-supporting systems, and thereby encompasses a wider range of human needs and of factors affecting their attainment.

Gilbert F. White, Department of Geography, and Director, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA