Good Governance
Laws and policies are powerful tools for making our communities healthier and more equitable. A good governance process is inclusive, transparent, and effective, fostering a clear understanding of policy landscapes, local resources, and potential partnerships. Our resources explain the essentials of public health law and policy that can help create meaningful, lasting change in your community.
Healthy Neighborhoods
Evidence shows that where people live plays a key role in their health. Housing, workplaces, street design, and transportation all influence prominent health factors such as safety, physical activity, access to healthy food, community engagement, and affordable living. We provide planning tools that connect the dots between neighborhood resources and help communities achieve their policy goals.
Food & Beverages
A healthy diet is key to maintaining good health. Well-designed food systems positively shape the health, environmental, social, and economic outcomes of neighborhoods and communities. We work on a variety of policy strategies that advance health equity through each component of the food system and ensure access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages.
Child Care & Schools
Families have tremendous influence on the health of their children, but children are also cared for by other adults in their community. Child care and school environments often determine what children are offered to eat and drink outside the home, as well as how much time they have for physical activity. We work on child care and school policy strategies that can support families in raising healthy children.
Health Care
Health care systems and hospitals have opportunities to get involved in community public health initiatives. Partnering with advocates and local agencies, providing healthier foods and beverages, and leveraging community benefits allocations from hospitals can help keep people healthy and out of emergency rooms. Our resources can help health care organizations and hospitals work toward community-based prevention of health problems.
Tobacco Prevention
Limiting access to tobacco products is the first step in preventing tobacco-related diseases. Effective strategies include eliminating the sale of tobacco products to minors, regulating electronic cigarettes, increasing enforcement of existing laws, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. We offer a wide range of resources to help communities tailor and implement policy options to regulate tobacco.
