WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 16, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other departments today released the first-ever National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy. Developed by the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council, which was formed under the Affordable Care Act, this comprehensive strategy will focus on coordinating prevention, wellness and health promotion efforts within the federal government and in communities around the nation.
John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), is a presidentially-appointed member of the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health, which played a key role in the development of the strategy. His statement follows:
“The release of this strategy marks a significant milestone in our national effort to move away from a health care system that waits to treat people until they get sick and toward one that emphasizes prevention and wellness. The strategy focuses on several areas that are critical in the fight to reduce cancer incidence in this country, such as tobacco-free living, healthy eating, and maintaining an active lifestyle. The plan also emphasizes the need to reduce health disparities, enhance the effectiveness and use of cancer screenings and improve access to healthy and safe living environments.
“The strategy encourages government to work with communities in a coordinated manner to ensure that proven prevention strategies are implemented effectively among numerous populations. I was able to lend my voice to the development of this strategy on behalf of people with cancer nationwide, and I am pleased to support the final product, which will help to reduce cancer’s toll on our country.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christina Saull
(202) 585-3250
[email protected]
Steven Weiss
(202) 661-5711
[email protected]