Tell the media: It's time to talk about community prevention in health reform

When moms in Kern County, California wanted exercise, they formed the Greenfield Walking Group. But it wasn't easy. Aggressive stray dogs harassed them. They had to avoid stepping on hypodermic needles. And as they walked they were scared of being run down by motorists.

Without the prevention money that is in the health reform bill, people from communities like Kern County--people who want to be healthy and active--lose the resources to create community solutions that improve their health.

But no one in the media is talking about this important reason to rally behind the final push for health care reform--monies dedicated to Community Transformation Grants that fund local efforts to reduce chronic disease rates and increase health equity. We're asking our partners and advocates to help put community prevention center stage in the conversation, by contacting their newspapers. Will you take a moment to write a brief letter to the editor of your local paper?

We're sending you this email because you, as a current leader in community prevention, have expertise that matters to the media. Please take a moment to leverage that expertise and remind everyone how important community prevention is. Legislators look to letters to the editor to see where their community stands. Here's what theyneed to know:

· Americans value prevention and rank prevention as a high priority in health reform, according to a recent survey. In fact, 72% want more prevention in health care even if it costs money.

· 75 percent of current health care costs are the result of chronic diseases, many of which could have been prevented.

· Comprehensive health reform will not only increase health care access and quality but also keep people from getting sick and injured in the first place. The bill's substantial investment in community prevention will save lives and money.

Will you share this message with your local paper? We've made it easy for you, providing your local media email addresses, talking points and a submission form. All you have to do is make the case, in 180 words or less, of why we all win when community prevention gets written into policy, and then click submit.

Thanks to coordinated work with their local health department and political leaders, the Greenfield Walking Group has gotten broken lights replaced, graffiti and dogs removed. Police surveillance and maintenance efforts have increased. And moms are walking with their families and babies. We want all communities to have support to make their communities healthier and safer. Please take a few minutes to help make that happen.

Thank you,

Prevention Institute