On June 16th, members of the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council, including Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin (Chair), as well as Senator Tom Harkin and Domestic Policy Council (DPC) Director Melody Barnes, announced the release of the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy, a comprehensive plan that supporters say will increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. According to a news release from the Administration on Aging, The National Prevention Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care, but also from clean air and water, safe worksites and healthy foods. The strategy was developed by the National Prevention Council, which is composed of 17 federal agencies who consulted with outside experts and stakeholders.
The Adminstration on Aging says the National Prevention Strategy includes actions that public and private partners can take to help Americans stay healthy and fit and improve our nation’s prosperity. The strategy outlines four strategic goals including building health and safe community environments, expanding quality preventative services in both clinical and community settings, empowering people to make health choices by giving them access to more information and resources, and eliminiating health disparities.
To read more about the announcement, visit http://www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/prevention06162011a.html