The theme for this conference and for Healthy People 2010 is "Eliminating Health Disparities". While this is the ultimate goal, how should it be pursued? Should there be milestones or intermediate objectives? If this will require a change in public policy, how will it be pursued -- legislatively, in the courts, through regulatory change? Is action best taken at the local, state or federal level? Who are our allies? Who are our opponents?
The author will present some preliminary observations based on his experience in developing health care political strategy and attendance at the Healthy People 2010 Conference. The author assumes that the pursuit of this goal is primarily a political process that will require significant advocacy, partnerships, compromise, and proper marketing. Emerging trends, such as computer technology and genomics, will also be referenced that may increase disparity in health care.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Assess the need to develop intermediate objectives. 2. Determine the degree to which the political process should be used. 3. Be able to participate in the development of appropriate strategies at the local and state levels
Keywords: Health Care Politics, Marketing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.