I am forwarding to you the position paper, Reducing Inequities in Health & Safety through Prevention, developed by Prevention Institute and the Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies.

As the New Year begins and we welcome a new administration and new Congress, we have the opportunity to substantially advance toward the goal of health equity. This paper presents the elements of national commitment and agenda focused on achieving equitable health outcomes for all Americans and simultaneously alleviating pressure on the health system and saving money.

The paper begins with a discussion of existing health inequities, and then explains the value and utility of prevention in helping reduce inequities— including a description of the Two Steps Back framework, which can be used to identify and develop strategies to address the determinants of health and health inequities. The paper then provides a structured path for change, starting with the highest levels of the federal government and continuing to states and communities. We offer strategies that can be implemented in the short term through vehicles such as the economic stimulus package, as well as those that can be integrated into longer-term action.

This position paper builds upon recent and related work including:

o A position paper on chronic disease prevention priorities for the new administration – Healthy Places: Directions for Improving Community, Indiv… (produced in partnership with PolicyLink, with whom we work to provide support of the Health Eating Active Living Convergence Partnership, a partnership of major funders in those areas).

o A report on the cost effectiveness and cost-saving potential of community prevention efforts entitled Prevention for a Healthier America: Investments in Diseas… (produced with Trust for America’s Health and The Urban Institute).

o A position paper entitled Preventing Violence before it Occurs: Directions for Impr…, because safety is a key component of healthy communities and health equity.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss prevention and health equity in more depth as you work to shape the policy agenda that will impact the health and well-being of all Americans.

Samuel Davidson

Program Assistant

Prevention Institute

(510) 444-7738 main line

(510) 444-8027 ext. 317 direct

“Ideally the food environment would support biological needs, meaning that healthy, nutritious food would be readily available, affordable, and appealing to our palates.”

From Prevention is Primary, the landmark textbook co-edited by Prevention Institute’s Larry Cohen and Sana Chehimi along with Vivian Chavez of SFSU, now available!