Restructuring Government to Address Social Determinants of Health 
Report from the Healthier America Convening in Sacramento, CA, February 2008

Establishing a health system that addresses underlying determinants of health - the community factors in the social and physical environments that are the most influential contributors to the nation's poor health outcomes - will require bold steps. Based on a 2008 meeting convened by Prevention Institute and Trust for America's Health (TFAH), Restructuring Government to Address Social Determinants of Health highlights options from government officials, community advocates, and researchers for improving our nation's health. 
To read the full set of recommendations, download the 22 page report, or learn more about the convening, go to http://www.preventioninstitute.org/tfah.html 

Currently, not enough resources are invested in addressing the underlying determinants of health. The purpose of the meeting was to outline the elements and structures within government needed to achieve a broader community approach to health. While the focus was on federal government roles, the findings are also relevant to state and local government efforts. 

Participants identified possible solutions and sets of options, including: 
*  Establish high-level leadership in the federal departments and at the White House to serve as a focal point for prevention strategy and to ensure collaboration between government agencies to enhance underlying determinants of health.
*  Engage key federal sectors and agencies that shape the conditions that determine health in collaborative efforts.
*  Redirect funding streams to increase investment in prevention.
*  Implement a system of accountability that establishes clear responsibilities and incentives for contributing to improved population health.
*  Establish a data and evaluation system to monitor progress and focus public attention on the importance of determinants of health.
*  Establish a strong system of training and skill building for staff at all levels of government to engage in determinants of health work.
*  Translate a determinants of health focus to states and localities.
* Build political will to successfully propose and implement such changes.

Please follow the progress of this movement at the Trust for America's Health Healthier America Project website: http://healthyamericans.org/healthieramerica/ .

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Alison Stirling,
Knowledge Management Developer,
Health Nexus Santé (formerly OPC)


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