Washington, D.C., June 16, 2011 –
The American Public Health Association commends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for releasing the National Prevention Strategy today, a groundbreaking, comprehensive plan directed by the Affordable Care Act to help move the nation from a sick-care system focused on disease treatment and management into one that elevates the importance of disease prevention, wellness and quality of life.
Developed by a broad cross-section of federal departments and agencies, the National Prevention Strategy represents the first-ever nationwide effort to prioritize prevention by issuing a set of goals and recommendations that will empower Americans to live longer, healthier lives; eliminate health disparities; and control rising health care costs.
“The National Prevention Strategy is a major milestone in our effort to improve the health and wellness of all Americans,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “We applaud the National Prevention Council for its leadership and commitment to what will serve as a vital tool to preventing disease and keeping people healthy.”
The National Prevention Strategy will be a focal point of a meeting in Chicago from June 23-25, on implementing health reform where hundreds of public health administrators, practitioners and experts will attend the APHA Midyear Meeting: Implementing Health Reform — A Public Health Approach. APHA strongly advocated for key prevention and wellness provisions in the Affordable Care Act and is working to ensure mandatory funding in the Prevention and Public Health fund are protected.
Go here to read more about the National Prevention Strategy.