MPHA 2010 Policy Priorities

Chronic Disease Prevention Chronic disease is an epidemic in Minnesota and across the nation. To reduce the prevalence of chronic disease among Minnesotans, MPHA supports efforts to address the root causes of chronic disease, including obesity and tobacco use. MPHA supports legislation that aims to prevent the adverse health effects of obesity and tobacco use and increase access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities. This includes support for health and physical activity requirements in Minnesota schools and continued support of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).

Health Care Reform MPHA promotes a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all our residents. MPHA advocates for prevention and population-based approaches as key components of health care reform and supports efforts that improve universal access to health care, including preventive care. MPHA’s efforts will focus primarily on State-level health care reform and access issues. However, through affiliation with the American Public Health Association (APHA), MPHA will share information to members about federal health care reform efforts that aim to achieve the goals of improved access, quality, and affordability of health care.

Despite progress in improving population health in Minnesota, tremendous health disparities persist, namely among low-income and ethnically diverse populations. MPHA supports efforts to eliminate health disparities by developing policies that address the social determinants of health. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sustaining/enhancing SHIP efforts: MPHA is a co-sponsor of the Minnesota Healthy Communities Act, a bill to develop a sustainable source of funding for the Statewide Health Improvement Program and support the use of Health Impact Assessments by communities. (In partnership with ISAIAH and the SEIU)

Ensuring access to health care: MPHA is concerned about cuts to General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) and the impact those cuts will have on low-income Minnesotans, and supports efforts to ensure Minnesotans do not lose important health care coverage. (GAMC Alliance)

Increasing physical activity among youth: MPHA supports efforts led by the American Heart Association to support increased health and physical activity requirements in Minnesota schools. (Minnesotans for Healthy Kids Coalition)

Reducing chronic disease: MPHA supports efforts to encourage early cancer screening and increase access to screening, especially for high-risk populations. (Minnesota Cancer Alliance)

Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals: MPHA supports efforts to reduce the harm caused by toxic chemicals by phasing out toxic chemicals from consumer products and supporting green chemistry. (Healthy Legacy)

Encouraging emergency preparedness: MPHA supports State and Federal efforts to prepare for potential pandemics and natural disasters. (American Public Health Association)

MPHA will encourage membership participation in public health policy efforts throughout the year by encouraging members to contact their legislators on key policy topics and providing information to members through a series of policy forums. MPHA will also provide opportunities for training and leadership development throughout the year.