“Take care”: An ode to a blessing of public health
“Take care”: An ode to a blessing of public health, by Brittain Peck.
Illustrator Brittain Peck explores how “take care,” much like public health itself, spans the many dimensions of our shared health and well‑being.
We say “take care” so often that we rarely pause to consider its meaning. Beyond a wish for individual well‑being, it’s a reminder that care is a shared responsibility, and that public health provides the systems, policies and support that make that collective care possible.
In this comic, illustrator Brittain Peck explores how “take care,” much like public health itself, spans the many dimensions of our shared health and well‑being.
This issue of Carolina Public Health highlights how public health work at UNC “takes care” by strengthening the structures that protect and promote health for everyone.
Comic transcript
Left to right.
Panel 1. “Thanks, Jilly. Hey, how’s Samir? I haven’t seen him in weeks.”
Panel 2. “Oh, he’s not doing too well.”
Panel 3. “He’s been away to help take care of his mom.” [cough cough]
Panel 4. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”
Panel 5. “Yeah, it sucks. It’s good seeing you, though, Pete.” “You, too, Jilly. Take care.”
Panel 6. “Take care.” …Why do I say that?
Panel 7. I’m not just encouraging Jilly to brush her teeth, drink water or to get more sleep.
Panel 8. Maybe I said it because we were talking about Samir’s mom, and I wasn’t taking for granted the work and intention it takes to keep all of us healthy throughout our lives.
Panel 9. But I say that phrase all the time – as a farewell to close loved ones…
Panel 10. Even said it to an Uber driver after hearing about what a rough day they had been having.
Panel 11. But I also say it meaning much more, like when I said it to my cousin during his divorce, wishing that he had more access to mental health support and fewer risky influences and means of harm.
Panel 12. During the pandemic, I said it to my sister, hoping that a vaccine would be available for her and my niece.
Panel 13. I say these two words to express care for an individual’s health and well-being, beyond habits and choices…
Panel 14. I say it for something much larger: as a small step towards a society that cares more for all of our collective health and well-being.
