The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68722

Kim Barbaro, MPH and Diana N. Derige, MPH. Public Health Futures Illinois, 100 W. Randolph 6-600, Chicago, IL 60601

Public Health Futures Illinois (PHFI) is a public/private partnership dedicated to maximizing the health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Illinois through prevention. PHFI’s recent publication, Prevention in Action: Examining Health Status and Disparity in Illinois displays key indicators on ten prevention targets identified by PHFI (Access to Care; Asthma; Breast and Cervical Cancer; Cardiovascular Disease; Depression; Infant Health; Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS and Immunizations; Injury; Substance Abuse and Tobacco Use; and Violence.) The indicators were chosen for their potential to provoke discussion and development of multi-sectoral approaches to prevention. Each target area has potential prevention strategies in such areas as; Government/Policy; Health care; Communities; Business sector; Schools and the Insurance industry. Samplings of prevention strategies include: comprehensive health education programs in schools, implementation of insurance enhancements by businesses, and local community partnerships involving the faith community in project implementation. The report demonstrates that prevention offers many opportunities to reduce risks, improve health, and save lives and money in Illinois.

The report is the product of over a year of research by PHFI partners and staff. The publication enhances PHFI’s ability to work within the public/private partnership to stimulate dialogue and inspire partners to be more prevention oriented. The report provides resources for data and health information on the ten targets, creates a better understanding of preventable health problems, creates a better understanding of health disparity issues, serves as a policy tool to improve data access and comprehensiveness, and encourages action by various sectors to improve health status.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of public/private partnerships to improve health through prevention and how diverse sectors can take action to prevent disease.
• Create a better understanding of health disparity issues in Illinois and across the nation.
• Recognize the potential cost of morbidity and mortality from preventable illness.

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.