Improving the Nation's Health with Evidence-Based Law and Health Policy

Reduction in tobacco use. Increased seat belt use. These are only a couple of examples of how laws and policies have been a significant factor in improving public health over the past century. The CDC Foundation is launching a new project, with $1.6 million in funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), which will use the best available data to inform and advance discussion about how laws and policies can assist people in making healthier choices.

The Healthy People 2020 Law and Health Policy project will build on the topics in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthy People 2020 initiative. Subject matter experts will work with federal partners to develop 10 to 15 evidence-based reports during the next three years to highlight the state of laws and policies related to specific topic areas within the initiative. The reports will provide critically needed practical information about the use of law and policy to address health factors. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, HHS, is leading the effort with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To help advance public health, the CDC Foundation is pleased to work with RWJF, HHS and CDC on this important project. Learn more about this initiative.

Photos from the Healthy People 2020 website.