Public Health Initiatives: How Policy Can Drive Preventative Care

Graphic by Shameema Imam

Public health programs are critical in creating healthcare systems because they prioritize prevention over treatment, resulting in more sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions. As healthcare systems throughout the world confront increased pressure from aging populations, chronic disease, and limited access to resources, preventative measures have emerged as a viable policy tool for lowering long-term healthcare costs, improving population health, and addressing inequities. This shift to preventative medicine delivers a multifaceted strategy that includes legislative reforms combined with public health initiatives and active engagement from government agencies to provide aid to healthcare professionals and the necessary communities. Preventive health policies can play a significant role in reducing health disparities. Marginalized communities such as low-income individuals, minorities, and rural populations often face barriers to healthcare access and experience higher rates of chronic diseases. Through preventative care programs, governments can help reduce these inequities by ensuring that all individuals have equal access to common services like vaccinations and regular checkups.

One of the biggest drivers of preventive care is its ability to reduce healthcare costs. Studies have shown that implementing preventive health measures can save billions of dollars in healthcare spending by reducing the burden of treating costly chronic diseases through expense cutting. This conclusion is supported by a study by the Trust for America’s Health where they estimated that the implementation of evidence-based community prevention programs could save the U.S. healthcare system more than $16 billion annually in healthcare costs (1). These programs include efforts to promote physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation, and mental health services, which are known to lower the risk of chronic diseases. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the U.S. supplemented the importance of preventive care by expanding access to preventive services without cost-sharing, thus ensuring that more people have access to preventative measures that can detect health issues before they become more serious and costly (3).

Investing in public health education and advertising is critical for effectively driving public health efforts that promote preventative care. These campaigns can help change behaviors that lead to chronic diseases, such as poor dietary and addictive habits as well as physical inactivity. For example, the CDC’s “Tips From Former Smokers” campaign has had a measurable impact on smoking rates in the U.S. as it raises awareness about the dangers associated with tobacco use while also providing resources to help individuals quit (2). Other public health campaigns have focused on the leading causes for declining health in America. Their main focuses lie in successfully helping reduce obesity rates by encouraging healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity. Still, these programs are only effective when supported by substantial policies that make healthy options more accessible to the general population. They aim to encourage physical activity and ensure that nutritious foods are available in communities.

The role of healthcare providers also cannot be understated in promoting preventive care. Healthcare professionals are on the front lines of public health, offering guidance and support for preventive measures. However, they as well as their patients require appropriate policy backing to be able to effectively engage in these activities. For example, policies that reimburse providers for preventive care services like vaccinations and screenings encourage healthcare professionals to prioritize these services. Policies during the COVID era such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), passed in 2021, included provisions aimed at expanding access to health care, including preventive services. ARPA temporarily increased federal funding for Medicaid, which covers preventive health services like routine screenings and vaccinations for low-income individuals (4).  When preventive care is integrated into routine medical practice and supported by the healthcare system, it creates an environment where prevention becomes a standard part of patient care rather than an afterthought.

In conclusion, preventive care through public health initiatives is not just an ethical must but also a cost-effective strategy that can improve population health and reduce overall healthcare costs.  Through legislation, governments can shift from a system that reacts to diseases to one that actively works to prevent them, resulting in a healthier and more equitable society. A successful initiative depends on cooperation between policymakers and the healthcare system to ultimately drive public health initiatives which will shape a healthier future for communities around the world.

Reviewed by Matthew Ahlers

References

1. Trust for America's Health. (2009). Prevention for a healthier America: Investing in the health of our communities. Retrieved from https://www.tfah.org/report-details/prevention-for-a-healthier-america/

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). Tips from former smokers: Impact of campaign efforts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/

3. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (n.d.). The Affordable Care Act: A collection of insights. Retrieved from https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/collections/affordable-care-act.html

Congress.gov. (2021). H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319