Ready: In the early 1900s, many women died during pregnancy and childbirth due to infections, heavy bleeding and high blood pressure. Over time, major medical advances, like antibiotics, safer surgeries and better lab testing, helped doctors prevent infections and identify postpartum risks earlier.

Set: In the late 1980s, Medicaid expansion made prenatal care more accessible by covering more pregnant women. More recently, laws like the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2023) gave states the option to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from just 60 days to a full year after birth.

Action: Efforts are needed to reduce racial disparities in maternal deaths, expand postpartum Medicaid coverage beyond 60 days nationwide, and improve access to maternity care in rural areas. 

Health Outcomes Impact: These combined effects have made a huge difference. From 1900 through the late 20th century, maternal deaths dropped by nearly 99% (about 7.7 deaths per 100,000 births by 1997). (CDC)

Ready: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly-effective way to prevent HIV for people at higher risk. It comes from decades of research showing that certain HIV medications can stop the virus from taking hold in the body before exposure happens. 

Set: In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first PrEP pill, Truvada. Since then, additional options, including Descovy and long-acting injectable medications like Apretude, have expanded choices for patients. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave PrEP an “A” recommendation, meaning most private insurance plans must cover it at no cost. This includes the medication, doctor visits, lab tests and routine HIV screenings.

Action: Moving forward, priorities include reducing stigma around HIV prevention and PrEP use, increasing access in communities most affected by HIV, and supporting ongoing research efforts.

Health Outcomes Impact: PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sexual intercourse by up to 99% when taken as prescribed (NIH).  

Ready: In the late 20th century, scientists identified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as harmful environmental contaminants. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily and can build up in water, soil and the human body. Studies have found PFAS in the blood of most people tested, and exposure has been linked to health issues like certain cancers, pregnancy complications, developmental effects and high cholesterol.

Set: In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set its first national limits on six PFAS chemicals in drinking water to help keep people safe (EPA). At the same time, the EPA announced over $1 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities test for and remove PFAS from drinking water. Some states have added their own rules to track and reduce PFAS.

Action: Protecting public health will require expanding PFAS testing and monitoring, while also cleaning up contaminated sites, developing safer chemical alternatives, and supporting stronger waste regulations.

Health Outcomes Impact: These new protections are an important step toward safer drinking water. Over time, they can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals for millions of people.