When relationships are necessary but not sufficient: Nine ways law can foster collaboration in a health in all policies approach

Improving health and reducing disparities requires reshaping the environment in which we live -- an environment which in turn impacts our choices.  Reshaping our environment is a complex problem.  It cannot be solved by the health sector alone.  Instead, a solution requires collective action that integrates health and equity concerns into all decisions. 

Recognizing this reality, many jurisdictions are currently turning to health impact assessments and using the “health in all policies” approach.  An indispensible element of these tools is collaborating across sectors.  Cross-sector collaboration is built upon meaningful working relationships.  But sometimes relationships need a nudge.  Formal government action – often through law – can be a helpful strategy to encourage cross-sector collaboration. 

This presentation will demonstrate how law can support health-related, cross-sector collaboration in multiple and often overlapping ways.  Through examples from state and local law, the presentation will demonstrate that law can (1) require collaboration; (2) authorize collaboration; (3) establish institutions for collaboration; (4) prescribe collaborative processes; (5) assign responsibility; (6) foster informal relationships; (7) prioritize a public health issues; (8) coordinate government efforts; and (9) provide for funding.  Since legal mechanisms may not always be appropriate, the presentation will examine the opportunities and challenges presented when using law to facilitate cross-sector collaboration.     

The content of this presentation will be relevant to public health attorneys or others with legal expertise.  However, it primarily seeks to educate a lay audience on how law can be applied to further a health in all policies approach.