Oral

Public debate and policy initiatives for health reform have generally underestimated the role of public health solutions in alleviating pressures on health systems. Therefore, more effective and assertive education is needed about the impact of a comprehensive public health agenda in supporting a population that is healthier and that places less demand on health care resources. Public health associations have a special role to educate policy makers and the public about effective public health policy, practice and resources. This CoA sponsored scientific session will adopt a panel format in order to showcase efforts of three public health associations to influence health reform nationally or at the state-level, including descriptions of context, messages, vehicles, partners, results, and lessons learned. The session will include dialogue with the audience and an emphasis on mutual sharing of knowledge, resources, and successful strategies.

Session Objectives: Identify successful health reform messaging strategies for public health associations, including core messages, resources and vehicles. Identify sources for potential advocacy partnerships, including supportive issue experts. Identify tools and resources employed by associations in successful communication efforts.