A Policymakers perspective: Moving towards health in all policies

Locally elected officials play a critical role in advancing health initiatives in their communities and are uniquely situated to bring together county agencies, business leaders, community members and other local stakeholders to advance health initiatives.  In order to successfully advance a health in all policies agenda it is important for there to be clear and consistent communication between public health professionals and locally elected officials.  Often a lack of understanding of political realities in the pursuit of good policy leads to disappointment and frustration.  It is all too easy to jump to the end game of policy success and transformation without first planning all the initial steps that lead to the motivation of the public that is necessary to move policy through the political process.  This presentation will explore the importance of relationships and communication between public health professionals, community partners and locally elected officials in advancement of successful policy.  Methods that can move policy and community change forward while examining the local political and policy process will be discussed.  Practices for avoiding political potholes, challenges presented from outside special interests or those presented by internal factions and policy differences will be discussed.  How to identify and cultivate allies and constituents to assist the advancement of health in all policies is critical in today's hyper-charged political environment.  Broad communication strategies, mapping of allies and opponents, engaging in cross sector collaborations and grassroots efforts are all important in the advancement of health in all policies.