Health Disparities
Every American should have the opportunity to be as healthy as he or she can be. But now, health varies dramatically from state to state and community to community. Access to good medical care is obviously one important factor that impacts how healthy a person is, but a number of other factors play a role in health beyond medical care. In fact, many researchers have found that where you live, your income level, socio-economic group, and behavior often impact your health more than either genetics or access to medical care.
Health disparities are a significant threat to our nation's health. Low-income and minority communities systematically have less access to health care, higher exposure to health threats, and worse health outcomes.
TFAH addresses health disparities and factors that are beyond individual control, often called "social determinants," as a central part of our work. TFAH advocates for strategies to improve the health of all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, income or where they live.
TFAH Reports
October 2008
Blueprint for a Healthier America
Modernizing the Federal Public Health System to Focus on Prevention and Preparedness
June 2008
Healthy Women, Healthy Babies
March 2008
Ten Top Priorities for Prevention
Latest News
October 25, 2008
Our losing war against flab
Policy Information
August 2008
Letter in Support of Healthy Start Reauthorization Act
June 2008
Letter to Accompany Healthy Babies Report
Press Releases
December 12, 2008
Trust for America's Health Applauds New IOM Report on Improving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the 21st Century
October 21, 2008
Trust for America's Health Releases Blueprint for Modernizing Public Health for the Presidential Transition and Next Congress
October 16, 2008
Advisory: Trust for America's Health Releases Transition Document: Blueprint for a Healthier America
Includes Detailed Plan to Modernize America's Public Health System
Resources
Selected items from TFAH's Resource Library:
Baby Boomers and Obesity
Facts from F as in Fat 2008 Report
Breastfeeding and Health
Facts from F as in Fat 2008 Report
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation, focusing on the major health care issues facing the U.S. Their three major focus points are policy analysis and research, acting as a clearinghouse for public health and policy information, and developing and running large-scale public health information campaigns in the United States and around the world.
Mental Health, Stress and Obesity
Facts from F as in Fat 2008 Report
National Association of County and City Health Officials
NACCHO supports efforts that protect and improve the health of all people and all communities by promoting national policy, developing resources and programs, seeking health equity, and supporting effective local public health practice and systems.
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