Achieving Good Health Beyond Medical Care
Access to medical care is a crucial component of good health, but it is only part of the equation. Broader factors—such as where you live, access to nutritious food, transportation, and other environmental conditions—play a significant role in shaping your well-being. While advancements in healthcare have improved outcomes for many, preventable health challenges persist unless we address these underlying factors. By implementing policies that promote access to quality education, secure housing, stable employment, and other social determinants, we can make lasting improvements in health. Policies designed to advance equity are essential to building healthier, more resilient communities.
Promoting Health Across Sectors
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a nonpartisan public health policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health. Through its initiative, Promoting Health and Cost Control in States (PHACCS), TFAH goes beyond traditional healthcare policies to focus on evidence-based strategies that enhance community health while reducing costs. PHACCS highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration, showing how policy changes in areas like education, housing, and economic security can improve both public health and fiscal health at the state level.
Key Policy Recommendations
In Phase I of PHACCS, TFAH reviewed over 1,500 policies, programs, and strategies, prioritizing those with proven health and economic benefits. From this analysis, six key goals and 13 actionable policy recommendations were developed. These recommendations address critical areas such as education, substance misuse prevention, healthy behaviors, active living, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. Each policy is backed by case studies, economic data, and implementation strategies.
Facilitating Dialogue and Action
REACH Beyond Solutions has played a pivotal role in facilitating conversations around these recommendations. Through 12 listening sessions held with stakeholders from all 50 states and U.S. territories, including community organizations, advocacy groups, and academic institutions, we have gathered valuable insights on barriers, facilitators, and priorities for policy adoption. These sessions have allowed us to identify the systemic challenges to policy implementation and uncover opportunities for driving change.
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By advocating for policies that address the root
causes of health disparities, we can build a future
where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Systems-Level Approach
At Reach Beyond Solutions, we apply a systems-level approach to public health challenges, focusing on:
- Systems Knowledge: Understanding the current landscape of public health practices and the socio-political factors that shape health outcomes.
- Systems Networks: Identifying key stakeholders and fostering partnerships that are essential for advancing evidence-based policies.
- Systems Methods: Managing complexity and overcoming resistance to change in public health systems.
- Systems Organization: Mapping our efforts within the broader public health system to ensure adaptability and forward-thinking solutions.
Looking Ahead
The insights gathered through our listening sessions provide a foundation for the next steps of the PHACCS initiative. Moving forward, REACH will continue to work alongside TFAH and stakeholders to drive policy changes that promote health equity and improve well-being across the nation.
Join Us in Building Healthier Communities
We have a unique opportunity to reshape our healthcare system and create equitable opportunities for all. By advocating for policies that address the root causes of health disparities, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive. Explore the PHACCS report for detailed policy recommendations and join us in shaping a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.