Protection of Underserved or Marginalized Populations
What special obligations does public health have to underserved and marginalized populations?
Protecting the public's health is a core public health value. Because underserved and marginalized
populations exhibit greater susceptibility to those factors that cause morbidity and mortality,
protecting these populations requires greater care and vigilance. Well-intentioned efforts to help these
populations often have unforeseen consequences that can result in greater harm to them.
Case: Enforcement of Lead Paint Standards in Marginalized Populations