Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111445

Larry Cohen, MSW and Diane Aranda, MPA. Prevention Institute, 265 29th Street, Oakland, CA 94611, 510-444-7738, larry@preventioninstitute.org

The United States healthcare system is one of the most scientifically and technologically-advanced systems in the world. While the system is saving lives and producing health benefits, indicators such as increasing costs, decreasing access, disparities in quality of care and an overburdened infrastructure suggest that as a whole, the system can largely be considered ‘broken.' In the midst of this break down, leaders, administrators and managers of health and public health programs face the challenge of managing growing numbers of complex programs with dwindling budgets. While public concern over these issues has grown dramatically, in the debate over what to do, consideration of a primary prevention agenda has largely been absent. This session will call to attention the core public health tenant of prevention – a proven strategy for improving health outcomes, strengthening treatment success, and reducing health disparities. The session will demonstrate that focused investment in primary prevention is a necessary strategy for the recovery and sustainability of the US healthcare infrastructure. Opportunities to invest in primary prevention in health and public health programs will be highlighted, as well as innovative collaborative efforts between healthcare and other sectors. Practical information will be provided to support healthcare leaders, managers and administrators in being champions for prevention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate the case for prevention as a strategy for the recovery and sustainability of the US healthcare infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to invest in prevention in health and public health programs.
• Advocate for the inclusion of prevention in health and public health programs.

Keywords: Health Care Restructuring, Primary Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation