Tell Congress Prevention & Equity are Vital to Health Reform

Health-care reform negotiations are heating up. Now is the time to make sure that prevention and equity are part of the final health reform package.

Contact your legislators and tell them:

• Prevention measures recognize that where we live affects how we live. Congress has to address health in communities where people live, work, and play--not just in a doctor's office, a hospital, or a clinic.
  
  
• Communities with prevention measures such as easy access to fresh food, clean air, public transit, and safe places to play are places that enable all Americans to be healthier.
  
  
• Low income communities and communities of color bear a greater disease burden because they are often disproportionately exposed to poor air quality, have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and offer fewer options for exercise, physical activity, and preventative care. When we focus on prevention in every community, we help reduce inequities in all communities.
  
  
• Investments in prevention not only help all Americans to live healthier, longer lives, but will ultimately save money.
  
  

MAKE SURE THAT COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH REFORM INCLUDES A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY PREVENTION MEASURES TO ENSURE A STRONGER, HEALTHIER AMERICA

Keep the four points above handy when you contact your Congressional representatives:

• To be connected by phone, visit the PolicyLink click to call campaign.
  
  
• To send an email or fax, visit Trust for America's Health.
  
  

Additional Resources:

• "Strengthening What Works: Critical Provisions for Prevention and Public Health in Health Reform Legislation" (PDF)
  
  
• A health reform library -- a collection of significant recent work from leading prevention, public health, and public policy organizations aimed at shaping national dialogue and policymaking on health and health reform. For more information or answers to questions, contact Amanda Navarro at amanda@policylink.org.