TFAH Applauds the Release of the National Prevention Strategy

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Jun 16, 2011, 11:00 ET

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Trust for America's Health (TFAH) applauds today's release of the National Prevention Strategy: America's Plan for Better Health and Wellness. The following is a statement by Jeff Levi, Ph.D., Executive Director of TFAH, and chair of the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health.

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"The National Prevention Strategy (NPS) is an historic event. For the first time, 17 federal agencies will be working together to move the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to prevention and wellness. This signals a major shift in how the nation cares for Americans.

"Quite simply, prevention is an investment in the future health of America. This strategy puts us on a pathway toward improving the health and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities around the country.

"The NPS commits the federal government to doing its part in assuring that all Americans have the opportunity to be as healthy as they can be. Where we live, learn, work, and play all have a major impact on our health.

"The NPS recognizes that we must assure that preventive and integrative health services are part of the health care delivery system. But just as importantly, the NPS also recognizes that every part of our society, from transportation and housing to labor and defense can help improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. By cutting across many federal agencies, the NPS will, for the first time ever, ensure we're leveraging policies so they are win-wins to improve health, while at the same time improving housing, education, the economy, productivity, military readiness, and the environment.

"Research shows that the public overwhelmingly agrees that prevention of illness has been neglected in our health care system and now must receive top priority. I know I speak for the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health that we stand committed to work with the National Prevention Council to see that this strategy is fully implemented and that we build support for it around the country so we can fulfill the promise of a healthier America."

TFAH has joined 79 other organizations in signing a letter commending the National Prevention Council for the release of the Strategy. The letter can be found at http://healthyamericans.org/health-reform/.

Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org.

SOURCE Trust for America's Health