Advocacy
CPMH advocates public policies that support healthy lifestyles and combat health disparities.  Policymakers at the federal, state and local government levels are currently considering potential solutions to the obesity epidemic.  While these policy initiatives are under consideration, CPMH is making every effort to ensure that such policy analysis includes consideration of the unique issues relating to minority and other underserved populations. Currently, many minority communities have limited access to products that are necessary for a healthy lifestyle, such as healthy snacks and quick-service meals, gyms and clean, safe public locations designed for exercise.  CPMH advocates policies that facilitate greater access to these products and facilities, which are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. 

The Coalition meets with policy makers to keep them advised of opportunities to reduce obesity and other health disparities.  CPMH will continue to work with them to enact policies at the federal, state and local levels that promote physical environments and organizational practices that support healthy lifestyles.  Such policies include:
      
      •   increasing government support for physical activity and nutrition           programming;
      •   improving access to health insurance and preventative health care;
      •   improving access to Federal nutrition programs, such as the Food Stamp           Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for  Women Infants and           Children (WIC) and encouraging those who qualify to take advantage of           them;
      •   regulating product advertising directed at children;
      •   supporting zoning laws that promote healthy physical environments; and
      •   modifying zoning, tax and other county and city regulations to encourage           food stores, farmers markets, gyms, athletic retailers and other health           related businesses in underserved areas. 

Get active and join the CPMH movement!  Contact your federal, state and local elected officials to let them know that you support public policies that promote equal access to healthy living for all Americans.

We need a national strategy with realistic and measurable goals to address health care disparities.  Every American deserves an equal opportunity to prevent and treat disease and live healthy lives.  The sooner we close the gaps in minority health, the healthier America’s future will be.

– Senator William H. Frist, MD

We have to stand for fairness and quality in our health care system. And we have to make clear that if we are committed to the quality of life of our people here in the United States of America, there is nothing more important than ensuring that we provide quality, affordable health care for every single American.

– Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton