Aug 2, 2024 | Policy
With the lingering spotlight cast on the public health community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that public health practitioners use their voices to advocate for social justice in public policy. Here are some tips on how to continue to apply a Health in All Policies mindset to your practice, and how to model it for others.
Apr 4, 2024 | Health Equity, Policy
The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted telehealth’s potential, but revealed a stark reality: 14.5 million Americans lack broadband access, disproportionately affecting rural and tribal communities. Telehealth offers hope, but its promise is hindered by access inequities. Recognizing broadband as a crucial determinant of health, policymakers are acting, ranging from state-level initiatives to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, broadband expansion is just the beginning. Achieving healthcare equity demands policy reforms, workforce training, and collaboration. The pandemic taught us that telehealth is transformative, but its benefits must reach every corner of our nation, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of health and equity.
Mar 20, 2024 | Health Equity, Policy
Health First Indiana is an initiative created by Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly that will transform Indiana’s public health infrastructure. The legislation provides funding so local health departments (LHDs) can determine the health needs of their community and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention. Health First Indiana establishes a public health infrastructure through a state and local partnership where services are delivered at the county level. Counties decide whether to opt-in to the new funding to provide and/or expand upon the core public health services, including trauma and injury prevention, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and more.
Jul 21, 2023 | Policy
Engaging and including community partners to address public health root causes may require a complete paradigm shift.
Jul 6, 2023 | Health Equity, Policy
While there is no handbook to immediately redress the 400 years of oppression influencing the health of our communities as a whole and communities of color specifically, this [collaborative] model provides an avenue for public health advocacy for health departments of any size to change systems to protect the health and improve the lives of all of its residents.
Feb 10, 2023 | General RVPHTC, Policy, Workforce Development
Indiana’s public health system has long been underfunded and under-resourced, leading to poor health outcomes for our communities. Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the trailblazing Governor’s Public Health Commission to launch an assessment of the state’s public health system, and this legislative session, we hope to see a much-needed financial investment to improve statewide public health service delivery and create a healthier future for all Hoosiers.