Two weeks ago, the Trust for America’s Health shared the results of an important new poll from the Herndon Alliance. “Community Prevention and the Public” reveals that there is very strong support for community prevention efforts among the general public.
The Prevention Institute recommends that you read the full presentation, but they’ve pulled out some of the most critical talking points. (All quotes and stats below are directly from the poll, unless otherwise indicated.)
There is overwhelming support for prevention. “73% of the American public supports allocating resources towards community prevention initiatives, described as efforts to make it easier for people to maintain their health and make healthier choices.”
When a policy is connected to young people, it has strong support. 89% rated this strategy as effective: “Too many schools have become unhealthy, offering snacks and soda from vending machines as well as unhealthy school lunches to kids. We should limit junk food in schools and make the school lunch menu more nutritious. We should also have physical education classes every day, not cut them, so kids can be active, which helps them be healthier and learn better.”
Linking community prevention to solving multiple problems (and fiscal efficiency) works. 79% rated this strategy as effective: “In these tough times, we have to do more with less, and find ways to promote prevention while we do other things. Where possible, every school should have a community garden. We should use our school facilities after work for exercise programs. When we repair parks and streets, let’s build playgrounds and bike paths where it makes sense. For minimal cost and effort we can get multiple benefits.”
Visit their Health Reform Advocacy page for more information.
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