09.01.10
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has invested $250 million to support preventative healthcare measures and develop the nation’s public health infrastructure through the Affordable Care Act. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are responsible for 70% of deaths each year among Americans and account for 75% of the nation’s health spending. “Investing in prevention and public health builds the foundation for improving the health and well-being of Americans, and for lowering costs in the healthcare system,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Investing in proven preventive services will help patients get the care they need early, avoiding costly and unnecessary care later. This prevention-focused approach is better for doctors, patients and our national balance sheet.”
The $250 million investment will include $126 million to support federal, state and community prevention initiatives; the integration of primary care services into publicly funded community-based behavioral health settings; obesity prevention and fitness; and tobacco cessation. An additional $70 million will support state, local and tribal public health infrastructure and build state and local capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Another $31 million is slated for data collection and analysis; to strengthen CDC’s Community Guide by supporting the Task Force on Community Preventive Services; and to improve transparency and public involvement in the Clinical Preventive Services Task Force. Lastly, $23 million will go to expanding CDC’s public health workforce programs and public health training centers.
The $250 million investment will include $126 million to support federal, state and community prevention initiatives; the integration of primary care services into publicly funded community-based behavioral health settings; obesity prevention and fitness; and tobacco cessation. An additional $70 million will support state, local and tribal public health infrastructure and build state and local capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Another $31 million is slated for data collection and analysis; to strengthen CDC’s Community Guide by supporting the Task Force on Community Preventive Services; and to improve transparency and public involvement in the Clinical Preventive Services Task Force. Lastly, $23 million will go to expanding CDC’s public health workforce programs and public health training centers.