HEALTH PROMOTION F.I.R.S.T.: INTRODUCING THE LEGISLATION

We are making excellent progress in our efforts to introduce Health Promotion F.I.R.S.T. in the United States Congress. If passed, this legislation will provide almost $800 million in new federal funding over 5 years to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion.

Evolving Name

In an effort to better express our intentions, and create a memorable and shorter name, we have changed the name of our proposed legislation to Health Promotion F.I.R.S.T. (Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis, and Training in Health Promotion). In addition to adding the concepts of synthesis and training to the title, this name also states the priority position health promotion should occupy, and hints that more legislative efforts will come in the future.

Introducers

Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) has agreed to introduce the legislation in the Senate. We are in the process of confirming a Republican in the Senate to take the lead and Democrats in both the Senate and the House to serve as co-lead introducers. When they are confirmed, we will start the process of recruiting additional original co-sponsors in both chambers. We expect Health Promotion F.I.R.S.T. to be introduced on schedule in the second quarter of 2003.

Financial Challenges

Our timing remains a challenge. Despite widespread support for health promotion in the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Congress, funding any new programs will be a major challenge for at least the next two years. A federal budget deficit was projected for 2004 and 2005 even before the President's proposed accelerated tax cut and the war with Iraq. In fact, the budgets of existing programs will need to be cut to reduce overall government spending. Consequently, we may need to scale back the programs included in our original authorization bill. Top priorities are listed in order below under "Contents." Another option is to include all of the original programs in the authorizing bill, but push hardest for our top priorities when funding is actually confirmed at the appropriations stage.

Contents

The original proposal called for almost $800 million in new federal funding over 5 years to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion. The narrative text used to develop this legislation was published with the Editor's Notes of the last issue.1 Using that text, a "Discussion Draft" of the legislation was prepared by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The actual legislation text is now being developed. The first two documents are posted on our web site (http://www.HealthPromotionAdvocates.org), and the legislation will be added as soon as it is finished. Our top priorities, in order, are 1) coordination and development of strategic plans, support for the health promotion profession, language directing allocation of resources at NIH to reflect the burden of lifestyle on morbidity and mortality, and language expanding the eligibility and community service requirements for the Prevention Research Centers at CDC; 2) funding for enhanced synthesis and dissemination efforts, and creation of a research program for workplace health promotion at CDC; 3) increased funding for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the Extramural Research Program, and the Prevention Research Centers at CDC; and 4) increased funding for CDC programs in Tobacco Control, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, School Health, Aging, and REACH 2010.

Get Involved in Advocacy Efforts

On February 20, 2003, in conjunction with the Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference, a team of grassroots advocates visited the offices of Senators and Representatives from 39 states. The number of advocates was significantly depleted by the February 16-18 "Snow Storm of the Century," but many excellent discussions were held and a number of co-sponsors attracted. Our grassroots advocacy network now has over 300 members and continues to grow. As soon as Health Promotion F.I.R.S.T is introduced, we will start a coordinated effort to reach each of the 100 Senators and 435 Representatives to attract co-sponsors and "yes" voters. If you would like to be involved in our advocacy efforts, please send an email to info@HealthPromotionAdvocates.org. We will respond promptly, train you in the advocacy process, introduce you to other advocates in your area, and invite you to be as involved as you wish. We certainly need your help.

References 1. O'Donnell M. Health Promotion Research and Dissemination Act: Preparing to Introduce Legislation in the US Congress. Am J Health Promot. 2003;17(4):iv-viii.

Michael P. O'Donnell, PhD, MBA, MPH 
Editor in Chief and President American Journal of Health Promotion