Policy Briefs
Why Public Health Policy Briefs?
APHA builds public health capacity and promotes effective public health policy and practice. To help guide and inform its work and the work of its members and Affiliates, the Association considers the adoption of evidence-informed Public Health Policy Briefs that are submitted for consideration by its members annually. Each submission undergoes a thorough and rigorous review by the Evidentiary Review Committee, considering the input of members and designated subject matter experts. Those proposals that meet the required criteria are then forwarded to the Governing Council for consideration and final adoption.
The Proposed Public Health Policy Brief development cycle is one of the Association's most important activities, as it provides evidence for the field of public health. It provides resources and tools to the field at large.
What are public health issue briefs and how are they used?
APHA Public Health Policy Briefs serve as an information resource to many, including APHA staff, members, Affiliates, partners, media, and policymakers.
The Policy Briefs:
- Provide the evidence base for legislative and regulatory recommendations, including letters, comments, and testimony to Congress, the White House, federal agencies, and the judiciary
- Help in the development of legislative, regulatory and media advocacy activities
- Provide easy access to the latest research an
- Assist in developing briefing material for the media, fact sheets, reports, and infographics used in education and advocacy work. Additionally, congressional staff and regulatory agencies refer to APHA Policy Briefs as a reference or resource when developing legislation and regulations.
Policy Briefs must be consistent with APHA's mission, vision, and values, be relevant to current or future public health issues. Policy Briefs describe and endorse a defined course of action, ranging from legislation and regulations to developing new policies for non-governmental organizations and private enterprises.
Public Health Policy Briefs do not define but inform the Association’s advocacy efforts. They provide evidence to support the Association in speaking on these public health issues. View all APHA policy briefs (formerly statements) in the policy brief database.
Oversight and Guidelines
Evidentiary Review Committee: The Evidentiary Review Committee coordinates the evaluation of APHA’s Policy Briefs.
Governing Council: The Governing Council is responsible for adopting Policy Briefs
Executive Board: The Executive Board is authorized to adopt interim Policy Briefs, carries out the policies of the Governing Council between annual meetings and monitors the operation of the policy brief development process and implementation of Policy Briefs.
Click below for more information on:
Developing a proposed policy brief, including guideline and deadlines
Current proposed policy briefs under review
Questions about policy briefs? Email us.
The following policy statements were adopted by the Governing Council on October 29, 2024. At this meeting, the APHA Governing Council voted to replace policy statements with policy briefs.