Folksy Wisdom in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Remembering John Rouse's Legacy in Public Health
No one is more enthusiastic about the potential of AI in public health than I am. Over the past few months, we've been feverishly preparing tools for local health departments to harness this cutting-edge technology. Yet, the recent loss of my friend and colleague, John Rouse (his birthday would have been last week), has prompted a deep reflection on the irreplaceable value of human connections in our work.
John served as the local health director in our county for two decades, and I had the privilege of collaborating closely with him during the past twelve years as the head of our academic health department. Together, we navigated the complexities of Community Health Assessments, responded to the aftermath of hurricanes, joined forces to coordinate contact tracing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, we mobilized county leaders to forge a strategic response to the overdose crisis. We did a lot of good work together.
In one of our final collaborations, John and I presented a joint webinar for the CDC and ASTHO, sharing our exciting work in rural overdose prevention. When asked about the keys to our project's success, John, with his characteristic folksy way of talking, simply said, "We just know each other...in rural areas like ours, we just know each other, and it makes it a little easier to work together." His words, profound and never pretentious, underscore a crucial reminder as we step into the new digital frontier: the indispensable role of human interactions and the invaluable tacit knowledge built through genuine relationships.
Artificial intelligence is going to revolutionize our work, enhancing efficiency and opening new pathways for innovation. However, it will simply never replicate the nuanced understanding and trust fostered by personal connections. In rural communities, where the fabric of relationships is tightly woven, these connections facilitate our collective efforts to tackle complex challenges, often in ways that go unnoticed and uncounted.
The bond between John and me went beyond work. Our families first met at church and through our kid's involvement in musical theater. Casual run-ins at the local pool and at the grocery, further strengthened our connection. While these personal ties don't fully account for our successes in complex community projects, they certainly made collaboration easier. Having been rooted in our county for over twenty years, John formed similar bonds with countless leaders and stakeholders. The collective value of these genuine relationships is immeasurable in rallying diverse cooperation for significant initiatives.
John's insights during the CDC/ASTHO webinar highlighted the value of his rich tacit knowledge of our community, a kind of savvy understanding that is critical for the nuanced solutions to wicked problems. I am convinced that while AI offers valuable tools to redefine community health work, it cannot provide a substitute the power of relationships that form the backbone of effective community engagement.
John was a towering figure in North Carolina's public health landscape, leaving behind a legacy that celebrates the importance of deep connections and community rootedness. As we embrace the potential of AI and push the boundaries of innovation, let's hold onto the wisdom John imparted: the significance of truly knowing one another.
When the work is people, wisdom that is a little folksy might always be worth more than intelligence that is artificial.
Rest in peace, my friend.
If you would like to donate to the John Rouse Scholarship Fund you can use the link below or mail a check to: North Carolina Public Health Association - John Rouse Scholarship Fund, 222 N. Person St., Suite 208 Raleigh NC 27601