The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41533

Ross D. Silverman, JD, MPH, Department of Medical Humanities, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19603, Springfield, IL 62794-9603, 217-545-4261, rsilverman@siumed.edu

The public health community has always struggled to find means through which to adequately support programs beyond those necessitated by emergent circumstances. Funding to combat bioterrorism - like the tobacco settlements during the late 1990s and initiatives in response to the AIDS epidemic before it - has become a principal channel through which public health organizations may garner program support from legislators at the state and federal level. However, will funding for counter-bioterrorism initiatives cure the chronic problems ailing the nation's public health infrastructure, especially those arising at the local level? Through an analysis and discussion of the idiosyncrasies of public health and the legislative process, this presentation will explore the possibilities for ample, stable funding of the public health system.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the recent history of public health funding at the national and state levels
• Discuss the unique challenges faced by the public health community in the political process

Keywords: Public Health Policy, Funding

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.