The Users' Guide to the Health Reform Galaxy

Obama's Budget Includes Modest Increases for Public Health and Prevention

Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health, writes about advancing the agenda of prevention and public health in tough economic times.

In a time of very tight financial constraints, we all need to be realistic about our expectations. In the context of a freeze on overall domestic non-defense/security discretionary spending, the Obama Administration did show its commitment to a strong public health system that focuses on prevention. Obviously, we'd love to see big increases for public health; however, this budget, combined with large investments about to be released under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will significantly increase the capacity of communities to respond to pressing prevention needs.

But the question of health reform still looms large. Unless we take action to improve the health of Americans, we'll lose an important opportunity to rein in health spending. Treating chronic diseases is
one of the biggest drivers of health care costs,  and until we focus more on prevention in a sustained and comprehensive way, we're never going to get these costs under control.

Success of smoking bans showcases role of prevention

Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, writes about the implications of the Institute of Medicine report concluding that smoking bans reduce heart attacks.

In the effort to combat the epidemic of heart disease, we often focus on changing individual behaviors related to smoking, diet and exercise.

But a landmark report released today by the Institute of Medicine underscores a major environmental factor – the deadly impact of second-hand smoke – and by so doing, spotlights the role of community-based prevention in keeping Americans healthy.

The IOM report concludes that smoke-free laws reduce the number of heart attacks and save lives.  It also finds conclusive evidence that secondhand smoke causes heart disease, including heart attacks – the No. 1 killer of Americans -  and compelling evidence that even relatively brief exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to a heart attack.

These pronouncements, reached by one of the most prestigious scientific authorities in the United States, send a clear message to elected officials:  As we debate how to reform our health system and rein in costs, we must recognize the key role of prevention. Strategic investment in disease prevention and population health can save lives, strengthen families and the workforce - and reduce health care spending.

Regulating tobacco is a step towards better health care

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey discusses the recent legislation on tobacco regulation as part of the broad roadmap to health care reform.

As I watched President Obama sign the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in the White House Rose Garden, I shared a deep feeling of pride with many public health champions on hand for the ceremony and hundreds of others who fought long and hard for this moment. We share a profound sense of the impact this landmark public health law will have on our nation's health. The bill will prevent more than 2 million of our nation's young people alive today from starting to smoke, saving some 700,000 of them from premature deaths related to smoking.

I also see a roadmap for what prevention can do for health reform. As we grapple with the devil in the details, let's keep our eyes on the prize -- helping all Americans lead healthier lives with a good quality of life.