Cultivating prevention champions: Making the case to local elected officials

At a time of growing concern about chronic disease linked to poor access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity, communities are finding solutions to create healthy environments through innovative prevention policies. Advancing prevention requires strategic approaches that leverage partnerships between many sectors and agencies, and public health administrators and leaders are uniquely positioned to build a robust coalition that includes local elected officials, community residents, and other community partners.

With funding from the American Public Health Association's National Dissemination and Support Initiative of the Community Transformation Grant (CTG) Program, Prevention Institute conducted a series of key informant interviews with local elected officials at the city, county and school district levels, who are advancing prevention efforts in their own communities. Building upon these findings and Prevention Institute’s expertise in community prevention, this interactive session will provide participants with core skills, best practices, and resources to engage local elected officials in advancing environmental change efforts and prevention policies that reflect the priorities of community residents and create healthy communities.

The presenter will discuss the importance of educating local elected officials about the value of prevention and share messaging tactics and framing techniques. The session will also highlight key media advocacy resources and examples of successful prevention initiatives that have transformed local communities, including efforts to improve walkability and the built environment; strengthen access to parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces; and promote access to healthy food retail.