WASHINGTON — Today, the Bipartisan Policy Center released a new report, “Public Health Forward: Modernizing the U.S. Public Health System,” a five-year roadmap for public health leaders and elected officials to build a more equitable, robust, and sustainable public health system across the United States. Charlotte Haberaecker, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America — a nonprofit that harnesses a nationwide network of 300 health and human services organizations to empower communities all across America — served as a member of a bipartisan task force that shaped the report’s recommendations. The 14-member task force consisted of current and former governors, mayors, elected representatives, nonprofit, public health, and health care executives.
With investment in and modernization of the public health system, the new report sets a vision where the United States is becoming a healthier nation, able to respond to an array of public health challenges — future pandemics, mental illness, substance abuse, obesity — all while ensuring every American has the opportunity to achieve their best health and well-being.
“This report provides a strategic blueprint for a strong public health system that fosters partnerships with key stakeholders that are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of all people in America,” said Charlotte Haberaecker, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. “The report recognizes that community-based nonprofit organizations are uniquely positioned to work in underserved communities because of their deep reach and long-standing trusted relationships with people. By working together, we can bring more stakeholders and resources to the table for the benefit of all people.”
Lutheran Services in America encourages state and local policymakers and health departments to use this opportunity to advance the nation’s health equity, safety, security, and economic prosperity through investments in public health.
The “Public Health Forward” report was produced in collaboration with the following organizations: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; Big Cities Health Coalition; CDC Foundation; de Beaumont Foundation; Kresge Foundation; National Association of County and City Health Officials; Pew Charitable Trusts; Public Health Accreditation Board; and Sunflower Foundation.
Download the full report and watch the release event.
About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is the network of 300 Lutheran health and human services organizations that reaches more than 1 in 50 people in America each year. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s largest nonprofits, the network operates with more than $23 billion in combined annual revenues. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services in America leads groundbreaking programs in partnership with philanthropy, academia, healthcare providers and others to empower Americans to lead their best lives. To learn more, visit www.lutheranservices.org.
