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5 Ways Public Policy Impacts Health
5 Ways Public Policy Impacts Health
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As a result, health policy means more than just health care policy. In this post, we
explain how a wide range of public policy issues — even some not usually associated
with health — can influence the health and well-being of Tennesseans.
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Tennesseans’ behaviors.
#1: Public policies can create, regulate, and maintain public goods that foster
supportive environments for good health.
An example is our state roads and highways. They are funded by taxes and user fees and are open for use by anyone. How these roads are
planned, constructed, connected, and maintained can, for example, impact the accessibility of needed services and the walkability of
communities. These factors can create opportunities (or barriers) to getting the care and making the choices that keep people healthy. See
How Transportation Impacts Public Health for more on this topic.
#3: Public policies can set requirements and mandates that protect citizens.
For example, traffic accidents are a leading cause of fatalities and injuries. Mandatory seat belt laws were implemented to address this
problem. These laws have increased seat belt usage and decreased the number of motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. (5) Laws against
alcohol-impaired driving are another example of public policies designed to protect citizens.
#4: Public policies can provide direct support in ways that affect the drivers of
health.
One example is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which was created by the U.S. Congress in 1996. The program,
known as Families First in Tennessee, is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and helps poor families gain self-sufficiency
through employment. The program provides temporary cash assistance to help pay for basic needs like food, housing, and transportation
while providing opportunities, requirements, and incentives for work training and employment. (6)
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Other policies may create financial incentives to make certain choices that lead to better health. For example, Tennessee imposes an excise tax
on tobacco products. Research has shown that tobacco taxes may create a financial disincentive for some individuals to smoke. (9)
Parting Words
All policy decisions have trade-offs. As our state’s policymakers weigh these trade-offs, they should also consider how policies will affect the
health and well-being of Tennesseans. Next week, we’ll take a look at the other side of the equation — how Tennesseans’ health can affect
public policy.
References
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The Sycamore Institute Is an Independent, Nonpartisan Public Policy Research Center for Tennessee
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