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

Abstract #74616

Stephen M. Shortell, PhD, MPH, Dean and Professor of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health University of California, Berkeley, 140 Warren Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, (510) 642 2082, shortell@uclink.berkeley.edu

The enormous cost of the “war on terrorism” is harmful to America’s health in two ways: 1) in the use of resources that might be better spent on other sectors of the economy that would increase our nation’s human and social capital; and 2) in the distribution and lack of balance on spending within the health sector itself. While recognizing the threat of bio-terrorism and newly emerging infectious diseases, these are not our nations top health problems. The major health problems facing Americans are obesity and the growing incidence and prevalence of chronic illness. Among the major risk factors is the continued lack of health insurance coverage which new evidence suggests results in 18,000 premature deaths a year and costs the American economy between $65 billion and $135 billion in lost productivity and excessive medical costs. Suggestions for refocusing on our nation’s leading health problems will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the adverse impacts of the “War on Terrorism” on priority health needs.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Public Health Policy

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.