March 2018
A Funding Crisis for Public Health and Safety: State-by-State and Federal Public Health Funding Facts and Recommendations
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health examines public health funding and key health facts in states around the country, finding funding for public health Has declined significantly since the Great Recession.

February 2018
Pain in the Nation
The Drug, Alcohol and Suicide Epidemics and the Need for a National Resilience Strategy
Pain in the Nation was supported by Well Being Trust and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report calls for the creation of a National Resilience Strategy and includes past, present and future projections for drug, alcohol and suicide death rates.

December 2017
Ready or Not? 2017
Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism
The report found the country does not invest enough to maintain strong, basic core capabilities for health security readiness and includes a review of state and federal public health preparedness policies.

August 2017
The State of Obesity 2017
Better Policies for a Healthier America
State of Obesity is the 14th annual report by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This edition finds adult obesity rates are showing signs of leveling off–but progress could be eroded if programs are cut and policies are weakened.

August 2017
Prevention and Public Health Fund Detailed Information
The Prevention Fund supports almost $900 million in prevention grants from the CDC to states, counties and cities, non-profit health-oriented groups and tribal organizations. Without the Fund, current efforts to prevent infectious diseases and chronic illnesses would be crippled.

August 2017
Special Analysis: How Healthy Is Your Congressional District?
How Healthy is Your Congressional District? is a one-year (not longitudinal) snapshot of seven preventive health measures for each Congressional District and for each state and the District of Columbia.

April 2017
A Funding Crisis for Public Health and Safety: State-by-State Public Health Funding and Key Health Facts, 2017
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health examines public health funding and key health facts in states around the country, finding core funding for disease prevention and health promotion programs has declined by around $580 million federally and has remained flat in states since 2010

March 2017
Impact of the 2017 Health Reform Proposals on Clinical Preventive Services
This brief reviews the current status of public and private insurance coverage of preventive services, and what would be at stake if they were eliminated or reduced, either through legislation or administrative actions.

January 2017
Special Issue Brief: National Survey of Registered Voters on Public Health
A new national survey of registered voters has found that nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of Americans support increasing investments to improve the health of communities.

December 2016
Ready or Not?
Protecting the Public from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The report found that the nation is often caught off guard when a new threat arises, which then requires diverting attention and resources away from other priorities. The report contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.

November 2016
Blueprint for a Healthier America 2016: Policy Priorities for the Next Administration and Congress
In this Blueprint for a Healthier America, TFAH presents key strategies for improving the health of Americans. The report calls for a new approach to health by prioritizing improving health and addressing major epidemics in the United States.

November 2016
Special Issue Brief: Obesity Rates Among WIC Children
This special brief includes an analysis and discussion of obesity rates among young children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

September 2016
The State of Obesity 2016
Better Policies for a Healthier America
State of Obesity is the 13th annual report produced by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support by a grant from RWJF. This edition marks the first time in the past decade that any states have experienced decreases – aside from a decline in n Washington, D.C. in 2010. The report includes annual rates and rankings of adult obesity and obesity rate trends by ethnicity, region, age, gender, education and income.

April 2016
Investing in America's Health: A State-by-State Look at Public Health Funding and Key Health Facts
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health examines public health funding and key health facts in states around the country.

April 2016
Furthering the Adaptation and Implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive Sexuality Education
With support from the M·A·C AIDS Fund, TFAH convened a one-day consultation to consider strategies to advance the adaptation and implementation of schoolbased, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ)-inclusive sexuality education.

December 2015
Outbreaks
Protecting Americans from Infectious Diseases
The report includes a report card for how well states scored on 10 indicators of strategies related to preventing, detecting, diagnosing and responding to outbreaks. Some topics featured in the report include emerging diseases like MERS-CoV; antibiotic-resistant Superbugs; healthcare-associated infections; the resurgence of old threats like whooping cough and drug resistant tuberculosis; and HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis.

November 2015
Reducing Teen Substance Misuse: What Really Works
Reducing Teen Substance Misuse: What Really Works including state-by-state youth drug overdose death rates and rankings, and a report card for how well states scored on 10 key indicators of leading evidence-based policies and programs that can improve the wellbeing of children and youth and have been connected with preventing and reducing substance—alcohol, tobacco or other drugs—misuse.

November 2015
A Healthy Early Childhood Action Plan: Policies for a Lifetime of Well-being
A Healthy Early Childhood Action Plan: Policies for a Lifetime of Well-being highlights more than 40 policy target areas that are key to achieving national goals of reducing toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and improving the lives of millions of children.

September 2015
The State of Obesity 2015
Better Policies for a Healthier America
The State of Obesity is the 12th annual report produced by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support by a grant from RWJF. This edition includes annual rates and rankings of adult obesity and obesity rate trends by ethnicity, region, age, gender, education and income.

June 2015
The Facts Hurt: A State-By-State Injury Prevention Policy Report
This report includes state-by-state injury and drug overdose death rates and rankings, and a report card for how well states scored on 10 key indicators of steps states can take to prevent injuries. Some featured topics include drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes, suicides, homicides, falls, and child abuse and neglect.

June 2015
The Clean Water Rule: Clearing Up Confusion to Protect Public Health
The Clean Water Rule will have real benefits for public health. This issue brief lays out why the Rule was necessary, how it will improve and protect Americans’ health, and the status of the Rule moving forward.

June 2015
Issue Brief: Top Actions the United States Should Take to Prepare for MERS-CoV and Other Emerging Infections
Leading infectious disease, public health and emergency preparedness experts are calling for the United States to take additional steps to prepare for MERS-CoV and other emerging infections. This Issue Brief includes recommendations from TFAH, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and UPMC Center for Health Security.

April 2015
Investing in America’s Health: A State-by-State Look at Public Health Funding & Key Health Facts
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health examines public health funding and key health facts in states around the country.

December 2014
Outbreaks: Protecting Americans from Infectious Diseases
The report includes a report card for how well states scored on 10 indicators of strategies being used to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks. Some topics Ebola, Chikungunya and Chagas; antibiotic-resistant Superbugs; healthcare-associated infections; whooping cough and tuberculosis; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis; and the ability to respond to bioterrorism attacks.

December 2014
Addressing the Social Determinants of Health Inequities Among Gay Men & Men Who Have Sex With Men
With support from the M·A·C AIDS Fund, TFAH undertook a literature review and convened a one-day consultation to consider strategies to mitigate the social determinants of health inequities among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM).

September 2014
The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America
The State of Obesity (formerly known as the F as in Fat report series) is the 11^th annual report produced by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with support by a grant from RWJF. This edition includes annual rates and rankings of adult obesity and obesity rate trends by ethnicity, region, age, gender, education and income.

May 2014
Investing in America's Health: A State-by-state Look at Public Health Funding & Key Health Facts
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examine public health funding and key health facts in states around the country.

April 2014
Building on the Affordable Care Act to Make the Health System Work for Young Gay Men: An Action Plan
This Action Plan is a tool for advocates who are working to improve the health system for young gay men. With implementation of the Affordable Care Act well underway, there is an opportunity to both get young gay men enrolled in insurance coverage and, equally important, to work at the state and local levels to improve the benefits and delivery systems they enroll in.

January 2014
Issue Brief: As Flu Season Ramps Up, Adults 18-64 Years Old Least Likely to Get Flu Shots
An analysis of flu vaccination rates and trends: only 35.7 percent of adults ages 18 to 64 years old got the flu shot last season. By comparison, 56.6 percent of children (ages 6 months to 17 years old) and 66.2 percent of seniors (ages 65 and older) were vaccinated.

December 2013
Outbreaks: Protecting Americans from Infectious Diseases
The report includes a report card for how well states scored on 10 indicators of strategies being used to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks. Some topics include vaccination rates, antibiotic-resistant Superbugs, Salmonella, the seasonal flu, healthcare-associated infections, HPV, HIV, TB, hepatitis, and the capabilities of state public health laboratories.

October 2013
A Compendium of Proven Community-Based Prevention Programs
The Trust for America's Health and New York Academy of Medicine released this report, which highlights 79 evidence-based disease and injury prevention programs that have saved lives and improved health.

October 2013
Prescription Drug Abuse: Strategies to Stop the Epidemic
This report includes state-by-state drug overdose mortality rates and rankings and a report card for how well states scored on 10 indicators of strategies being used in states to help curb the epidemic. Some featured topics include Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, Doctor Shopping, Good Samaritan, Rescue Drug and Medical Provider Education laws and Support for Substance Abuse Treatment, among others.

August 2013
F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2013
Each year, the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) issue F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future to examine strategies for addressing the obesity crisis. In this 10th edition of the report, TFAH and RWJF included annual rates and rankings of adult obesity and obesity rate trends by region, age, gender, education and income.

June 2013
The Truth About the Prevention and Public Health Fund
The Truth about the Prevention Fund, a report of key facts about the Prevention and Public Health Fund, includes an overview of the Fund, which is the nation’s largest single investment in prevention, using evidence-based and innovative partnership approaches to improve the health of Americans. The Fund provides more than $14.5 billion in mandatory appropriations over 10 years to improve health and prevent chronic illnesses by expanding preventive care and supporting proven community-based programs that reduce obesity, tobacco use and other preventable conditions.

April 2013
Investing in America's Health: A State-by-State Look at Public Health Funding and Key Health Facts
In this report, the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examines public health funding and key health facts in states around the country. Overall, the report concludes that a sustained and sufficient level of investment in prevention is essential to improving health in the United States, and that differences in disease rates will not be changed unless an adequate level of funding is provided to support public health departments and disease prevention efforts.

January 2013
A Healthier America 2013: Strategies to Move from Sick Care to Health Care in Four Years
A Healthier America 2013 provides high-impact recommendations to prioritize prevention and improve the health of Americans. The report outlines top policy approaches to respond to studies that show 1) more than half of Americans are living with one or more serious, chronic diseases, a majority of which could have been prevented, and 2) that today’s children could be on track to be the first in U.S. history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.

January 2013
Health in Mind: Improving Education through Wellness
Health in Mind is a report from Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) and TFAH. The report details immediate solutions that can help close the achievement gap and create a healthy future for all children. American children are struggling academically and the nation faces a growing achievement gap that is increasingly tied to health disparities—today’s children could become the first generation to live shorter and less healthy lives than their parents, notes the report.

January 2013
Past Low Flu Vaccination Rates and Gaps in Flu Policies Contribute to Vaccine Shortages and Other Problems in Preparedness
Fewer than Half of Americans Vaccinated for Flu Last Season
A new review of flu vaccination trends and policies issued by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) found fewer than half of Americans ages 6 months and older were vaccinated against the flu in the last two flu season (2010-11 and 2011-12). For the first time during the 2010-11 flu season, CDC recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. The historically low demand for seasonal flu vaccinations has contributed to limiting the supply of vaccine manufactured each year.

December 2012
Ready or Not?
Protecting the Public from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The report, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds that while there has been significant progress toward improving public health preparedness over the past 10 years, particularly in core capabilities, there continue to be persistent gaps in the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies. It contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.

September 2012
F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2012
The future health of the United States is at a crossroads, due in large part to the obesity epidemic. Each year, the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) issue F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future to examine strategies for addressing the obesity crisis. In this ninth edition of the report, TFAH and RWJF also commissioned a new study to look at how obesity could impact the future health and wealth of our nation.

August 2012
Issue Brief: Ending the HIV Epidemic Among Gay Men in the United States
AIDS continues to pose a threat of unprecedented magnitude to gay men in the United States. Though representing approximately 2% of the population aged >13 years, men who have sex with men (MSM), including those who inject drugs, comprise a majority of new HIV infections (64% in 2010) and represent nearly half of all persons living with HIV. The rate of new HIV diagnoses among MSM is more than 44 times that of other men and more than 40 times that of women. Since the epidemic began, almost 300,000 MSM in the U.S. have died from AIDS, including an estimated 6,863 in 2009.

August 2012
Issue Brief: Analysis of Obesity Rates by State
NEW ANALYSIS RANKS STATES, FINDS 12 TOP EXCEED 30 PERCENT FOR OBESITY
Twelve states currently have an adult obesity rate over 30 percent, according to a new analysis released by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The analysis used the state obesity rates released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mississippi had the highest rate of obesity at 34.9 percent, while Colorado had the lowest rate at 20.7 percent. Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest obesity rates are in the Midwest and South.

May 2012
The Facts Hurt
A State-By-State Injury Prevention Policy Report
This report includes state-by-state injury death rates and rankings, and a report card for how well states scored on ten key indicators of steps states can take to prevent injuries. Some featured topics include seat belts, drunk driving, motorcycle helmets, domestic violence, prescription drug abuse and concussions in youth sports.

May 2012
Health in Mind
Health in Mind includes recommendations for helping close the achievement gap by addressing school health. It was presented to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius by Healthy Schools Campaign and TFAH. In addition, Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers will share remarks.

April 2012
Potential Savings Through Prevention of Avoidable Chronic Illness Among CalPERS State Active Members
This report estimates the burden of preventable chronic disease on active members of the California Public Employees Retirement System and describes the distribution of that burden by demographic characteristics and across geographic areas, state agencies/departments and participating health plans. The estimates show that a 1 percent reduction in the prevalence of the common conditions included in the analysis could save the state $3.6 million per year. The literature suggests that reductions of 5 to 15 percent are feasible, depending on how well-designed and targeted interventions are, indicating potential savings of $18 million to $54 million annually.

March 2012
Investing in America's Health
A State-By-State Look At Public Health Funding And Key Health Facts
Investing in disease prevention is the most effective, common-sense way to improve health. It can help spare millions of Americans from developing preventable illnesses, reduce health care costs, and improve the productivity of the American workforce so we can be competitive with the rest of the world. Tens of millions of Americans are currently suffering from preventable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. And, today’s children are in danger of becoming the first generation in American history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. For eight years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has supported the Trust for America’s Health in releasing an annual Investing in America’s Health report to examine public health funding and key health facts in states around the country.

February 2012
Bending the Obesity Cost Curve:
Reducing Obesity Rates by Five Percent Could Lead to More than $29 Billion in Health Care Savings in Five Years
The Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Micro Health Simulations conducted an analysis to examine how much the United States could save in health care costs if obesity rates were reduced by five percent. The analysis found that the country could save $29.8 billion in five years, $158.1 billion in 10 years and $611.7 billion in 20 years.

December 2011
Ready or Not? 2011
Protecting the Public from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
This report, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), finds key programs that detect and respond to bioterrorism, new disease outbreaks and natural or accidental disasters are at risk due to federal and state budget cuts.

November 2011
Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Costs: How Clean Air Rules Benefit the Nation
A new analysis by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) found that four major rules of the Clean Air Act will yield more than $82 billion in Medicare, Medicaid and other health care savings for America through 2021. The report, Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Costs: How Clean Air Rules Benefit the Nation, examined how four new rules recently proposed or finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are expected to reduce air pollution and rates of pollution-related diseases, leading to major savings in health care costs.

November 2011
Healthier Americans for a Healthier Economy
Healthier Americans for a Healthier Economy features six case studies focused on the relationship between health and economic development. The report examines how health affects the ability of states, cities and towns to attract and retain employers, and how workplace and community wellness programs help improve productivity and reduce health spending.

September 2011
Remembering 9/11 and Anthrax: Public Health’s Vital Role in National Defense
Remembering 9/11 and Anthrax: Public Health’s Vital Role in National Defense, released by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), features more than 30 firsthand, on-the-ground accounts of public health professionals who were directly involved in the response to the September 11, 2001 and anthrax tragedies.

July 2011
F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2011
Adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any state, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America''s Future 2011, a report from the Trust for America''s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Twelve states now have obesity rates above 30 percent. Four years ago, only one state was above 30 percent.

June 2011
A New HIV Prevention Paradigm for Gay and Bisexual Men in the U.S.
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy calls for renewed efforts to reduce HIV infection rates, increase access to lifesaving care, and reduce the health disparities that characterize the U.S. epidemic. Achieving these aims will require substantially greater progress in preventing new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men, who account for the majority of people living with HIV in the U.S.

June 2011
Healthy Women, Healthy Babies
How Health Reform Can Improve the Health of Women and Babies in America
American women are not receiving the health care they need — and it is not just their health that is suffering. Compared to other developed nations, the United States has high infant mortality rates, as well as low life expectancy rates for women. The country must improve how it cares for women, not just for the sake of women themselves, but because evidence shows that a woman’s wellbeing prior to conception can significantly impact her baby’s health.

March 2011
The New Prevention Fund
An Investment in the Future Health of America
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) included the creation of a Prevention Fund – to provide communities around the country with more than $16 billion over the next 10 years to invest in effective, proven prevention efforts, like childhood obesity prevention and tobacco cessation. Preventing disease and injury is the most effective, common-sense way to improve health in the United States. Too often, however, we focus on treating disease and injury after they occur instead of preventing them – providing sick care instead of health care. The ACA and the Prevention Fund give us the opportunity to turn that around – and provides the opportunity for all Americans to be as healthy as they can be. This report details what each state is receiving from the Prevention Fund this year to reduce disease rates in the state and help ensure today’s children are not the first generation in U.S. history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parent.

March 2011
Investing in America's Health
A State-By-State Look At Public Health Funding And Key Health Facts
Investing in disease prevention is the most effective, common-sense way to improve health. It can help spare millions of Americans from developing preventable illnesses, reduce health care costs, and improve the productivity of the American workforce so we can be competitive with the rest of the world. Tens of millions of Americans are currently suffering from preventable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. And, today’s children are in danger of becoming the first generation in American history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. For seven years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has supported the Trust for America’s Health in releasing an annual Investing in America’s Health report to examine public health funding and key health facts in states around the country.

December 2010
Ready or Not 2010
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The report finds that the H1N1 flu outbreak has exposed serious underlying gaps in the nation's ability to respond to public health emergencies and that the economic crisis is straining an already fragile public health system. It contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.

November 2010
Fighting Flu Fatigue
Fighting Flu Fatigue finds significant differences in the H1N1 hospitalization rates and vaccination rates for minorities compared to Whites. The report includes data and lessons learned from the H1N1 pandemic and outlines recommendations for future flu policies – including ways to build on the momentum from the H1N1 response to increase vaccination rates and preparedness for health emergencies.

September 2010
HBV & HCV: America’s Hidden Epidemics
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) issued a report in September 2010 calling for action to be taken to transform how the country deals with viral hepatitis – to help identify millions of Americans who know they are living with chronic forms of hepatitis B and C and to assure access to treatment for all who need it, to prevent even more Americans from becoming infected.

September 2010
Ten Top Priorities for Prevention
America spends more than $2 trillion annually on health care, more than any other nation. Yet, tens of millions of Americans still suffer every day from preventable illness and chronic disease. TFAH outlines ten top priorities, advocating a health strategy driven by prevention, including: Combating the Obesity Epidemic, Preventing Tobacco Use and Exposure, Preventing and Controlling Infectious Diseases, Preparing for Potential Health Emergencies and Bioterrorism Attacks, Recognizing the Relationship Between Health and U.S. Economic Competitiveness, Safeguarding the Nation's Food Supply, Planning for Changing Health Care Needs of Seniors, Improving the Health of Low-Income and Minority Communities, Reducing Environmental Threats and Promoting Disease Prevention. Also included are crosscutting recommendations for Holding Government Accountable for Protecting the Health of Americans.

June 2010
F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010
Adult obesity rates increased in 28 states in the past year, and declined only in the District of Columbia, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010, a report from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. More than two-thirds of states (38) have adult obesity rates above 25 percent. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. The report also highlights troubling racial, ethnic, regional and income disparities in the nation's obesity epidemic.

March 2010
Shortchanging America's Health
A State-by-State Look at How Public Health Dollars Are Spent
A March 2010 report from the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found federal spending for public health has been flat for nearly five years, while states around the country cut nearly $392 million for public health programs in the past year. These cuts leave communities around the country struggling to deliver basic disease prevention and emergency health preparedness services.

February 2010
Adult Immunization: Shots to Save Lives
A February 2010 report "Adult Immunization: Shots to Save Lives," by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that more than 30 percent of adults ages 65 and older had not been immunized against pneumonia in 36 states as of 2008. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other experts recommend that all seniors should be vaccinated against pneumonia, which is a one-time shot for most individuals, since seniors who get the seasonal flu are at risk for developing pneumonia as a complication.

December 2009
Ready or Not? 2009
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The report finds that the H1N1 flu outbreak has exposed serious underlying gaps in the nation's ability to respond to public health emergencies and that the economic crisis is straining an already fragile public health system. It contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.

November 2009
Poll: American Public Supports Investment in Prevention As Part of Health Care Reform
Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released a public opinion survey that finds that 71 percent of Americans favor an increased investment in disease prevention and that disease prevention is one of the most popular components of health reform. Forty-four percent of Americans strongly favor investing more in prevention.

October 2009
Health Problems Heat Up: Climate Change and the Public's Health
The report finds that only five states have published a strategic climate change plan that includes a public health response. This includes planning for health challenges and emergencies expected to develop from natural disasters, pollution, and infectious diseases as temperatures and sea levels rise. The report examines U.S. planning for changing health threats posed by climate change, such as heat-related sickness, respiratory infections, natural disasters, changes to the food supply, and infectious diseases carried by insects.

October 2009
H1N1 Challenges Ahead
The report finds 15 states could run out of available hospital beds during the peak of the outbreak if 35 percent of Americans get sick from the H1N1 flu virus. Twelve additional states could reach or exceed 75 percent of their hospital bed capacity, based on estimates from the FluSurge model developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

September 2009
The Compendium of Proven Community-Based Prevention Programs
The report features a range of evidence-based disease prevention programs that have shown results for improving health and reducing costs in communities. It includes a summary and examples from an extensive literature review that NYAM conducted of peer reviewed studies evaluating the effectiveness of community-based disease prevention programs designed to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and/or improve eating habits.

September 2009
It's Not Flu as Usual: What Businesses Need to Know about H1N1 Influenza
This brochure explains what businesses can do to protect their workers and their bottom line from H1N1.

July 2009
F as in Fat 2009
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009, a report released today by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). In addition, the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.

June 2009
Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines
Trust for America's Health (TFAH), the Center for Biosecurity, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) analyze the initial response to the H1N1 outbreak, Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines, which found that U.S. officials executed strong coordination and communication and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, but it also how quickly the nation's core public health capacity would be overwhelmed if an outbreak were more severe or widespread.

May 2009
Reducing Infectious Diseases in the U.S.
Focus on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis
An issue brief from Trust for America's Health, funded by a grant from the Irene Diamond Fund

March 2009
Keeping America's Food Safe
A Blueprint for Fixing the Food Safety System at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) examine the fragmented and antiquated food safety system and propose ways to improve the food safety functions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report calls for the immediate consolidation of food safety leadership within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ultimately the creation of a separate Food Safety Administration within HHS.

March 2009
Shortchanging America's Health 2009
A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent
TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that Midwestern and Southern states received less federal disease prevention funding than Northeastern and Western states did in fiscal year (FY) 2008. These differences can amount to millions of dollars. The economic downturn could lead to further state budget cuts to disease prevention and emergency preparedness programs.

December 2008
Ready or Not? 2008
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The sixth annual Ready or Not? report finds that finds that progress made to better protect the country from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism is now at risk, due to budget cuts and the economic crisis. In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, and food safety. It contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.

October 2008
Germs Go Global
Why Emerging Infectious Diseases Are a Threat to America
A report that finds at least 170,000 Americans die annually from newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, a number that could increase dramatically during a severe flu pandemic or yet-unknown disease outbreak. Factors including globalization, increased antimicrobial (drug) resistance, and climate and weather changes are contributing to the increased threat.

October 2008
Blueprint for a Healthier America
Modernizing the Federal Public Health System to Focus on Prevention and Preparedness
The Blueprint makes recommendations for the next Administration and Congress on ways to improve the health of Americans. More than 150 experts and organizations helped identify gaps and fixes for federal public health agencies and programs through a year-long consensus-building process.

August 2008
F as in Fat 2008
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
In this report, TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) conclude that adult obesity rates increased in 37 states in the past year. The report calls for the creation of a National Strategy to Combat Obesity and includes state-by-state data.

July 2008
Prevention for a Healthier America
Investments in Disease Prevention Yield Significant Savings, Stronger Communities
In this study, TFAH finds that a small strategic investment in disease prevention could result in significant savings in U.S. health care costs. The report includes potential annual savings and return on investment figures for every state in America and Washington, D.C.

June 2008
Healthy Women, Healthy Babies
This TFAH report was released as part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT DATABOOK 2008. The report explains why after 40 years of progress, infant mortality rates in the U.S. have stalled since 2000. TFAH finds that chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes play a part in the trend, and offers recommendations to lower infant mortality rates.

April 2008
Fixing Food Safety
Protecting America's Food Supply from Farm-to-Fork
Approximately 76 million Americans -- one in four -- are sickened by foodborne disease each year. TFAH's food safety report identifies major gaps in the nation's food safety system, including obsolete laws, misallocation of resources, and inconsistencies among major food safety agencies.

April 2008
Shortchanging America's Health 2008
A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars Are Spent
In this analysis, TFAH reviews key health statistics and federal funding for public health on a state-by-state level. The Trust finds that Midwestern states receive less funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) than other states.

March 2008
TFAH's "Critical Care" List of Funding Priorities for FY 2009
TFAH developed its annual "Critical Care" list to identify key programs, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies, that are vital to protecting America's health and preventing disease. TFAH emphasizes that increased support for these programs is needed to help improve the health of all Americans.

February 2008
Fiscal Year 2009 Public Health Funding Priorities
A chart comparing spending priorities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

January 2008
Making Healthier Americans a Priority in 2008
This survey, commissioned by TFAH, finds that at a time when the rising cost of health care has become the central economic issue, Americans are eager to invest in prevention to help reduce long term health care costs.

December 2007
Ready or Not? 2007
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
The fifth annual Ready or Not? report finds that while important progress has been made, the continuing trend of annual cuts in federal funding for state and local preparedness activities threatens the nation's safety. It contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators of emergency preparedness capability.

October 2007
Pandemic Influenza: Warning, Children At-Risk
In this 2007 report, TFAH and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) find that children and teens between the ages of 0-19 account for nearly 46 percent of all H5N1 "bird" flu deaths. The report also identifies gaps in U.S. preparedness for treating and caring for children during a possible pandemic flu outbreak.

August 2007
F as in Fat 2007
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
The fourth annual edition of the F as in Fat report explores current policy weaknesses in the fight against obesity and recommends changes that must be considered to address the obesity crisis nationwide. This installment has a special focus on the role of physical activity.

August 2007
A Vision for a Healthier America
A Call to Action from more than 100 Health Organizations
More than 140 organizations joined together to support this consensus document as the foundation of TFAH's Healthier America Project. The project advances the vision that America should strive to be the healthiest nation in the world.

March 2007
Pandemic Flu and the Potential for U.S. Economic Recession
A State-by-State Analysis
A pandemic influenza outbreak is inevitable, according to scientific experts. TFAH estimates the economic impact of a potential outbreak on the country and analyzes how it would impact each state.

February 2007
TFAH Response to President's FY08 Budget
A TFAH analysis of the Administration's fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget, including the President's Proposals for the CDC and Pandemic Flu Preparedness. The report also covers the proposed budget for HHS Secretary and Emergency Preparedness, along with other key disease prevention and public health preparedness programs.

February 2007
2007 Health Priorities
This survey, commissioned by TFAH, finds that Americans strongly favor increased federal funding to improve the nation's public health system.

December 2006
Ready or Not? 2006
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
TFAH's fourth annual Ready or Not? Report finds that five years after the September 11th and anthrax tragedies, emergency health preparedness is still inadequate in America. The report includes an evaluation of all 50 states with 10 preparedness indicators, based on input and review from public health experts.

October 2006
Pandemic Influenza: The State of the Science
An Issue Brief from Trust for America's Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America
In this 2006 report, TFAH and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) raise concerns that pandemic flu preparedness efforts are falling behind advances in science and technology. They issue a set of policy recommendations and outline actions to better prepare the nation for a pandemic flu outbreak.

August 2006
F as in Fat 2006
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
The third annual edition of this report concludes that adult obesity rates continued to rise in 31 states, while government policy efforts have consistently failed to provide viable solutions. It offers a 20-step action plan for stakeholders to address the obesity epidemic's health burden and financial costs.

June 2006
Shortchanging America's Health 2006
A State-by-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent
This analysis reviews key health statistics and federal public health funding at a state-by-state level. The report finds that funding levels for health protection programs vary dramatically among states. It emphasizes that the country is falling short on achieving federally established goals for reducing disease and improving health, because there is not sufficient funding to result in wide-scale change.

May 2006
Media Attitudes and Coverage of Pandemic Flu
On behalf of TFAH and Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. conducted 20 one-on-one telephone interviews from March 3rd-29th, 2006, among television, radio, and newspaper journalists who cover public health issues. This document summarizes the results of that survey.

February 2006
TFAH Response to President's FY07 Budget
TFAH's analysis of the President's fiscal year 2007 budget finds proposed cuts to core Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs of more than four percent from FY 2006, or nearly eight percent when compared to the FY 2005 funding levels. Some programs that would receive cuts include obesity prevention, birth defects prevention, environmental health, and injury prevention and control.

December 2005
Ready or Not? 2005
Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
In this two-part report, the federal government receives a grade of D+ for post-9/11 public health emergency preparedness, and over half of states garnered a score of five or less out of 10 possible points. Key indicators of health emergency preparedness include capabilities to test for chemical and biological threats and hospital surge capacity to care for patients in a mass emergency.

August 2005
F as in Fat 2005
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
The second annual edition of this report concludes that national and state policies are falling far short of obesity prevention and reduction goals. It finds that the U.S. does not have the aggressive, coordinated national and state strategies needed to address the crisis -- threatening to make the epidemic worse.

July 2005
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
The Search for Causes and Cures
This report presents an overview of major birth defects and developmental disabilities, as well as an assessment of how these conditions are tracked.

June 2005
A Killer Flu?
'Inevitable' Epidemic Could Kill Millions
In this report, TFAH finds that over half a million Americans could die and over 2.3 million could be hospitalized if a moderately severe strain of a pandemic flu virus hits the U.S. TFAH offers detailed recommendations to help improve U.S. preparedness.

February 2005
Shortchanging America's Health 2005
A State-by-State Look at how Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent
This study examines key health statistics and public health funding levels in each state. States are ranked by per capita funds received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A Public Opinion Strategies poll on America's Top Health Concerns is included. This survey examines national perceptions of a number of health-related issues, including: a ranking of top health concerns, impressions of the nation's readiness for natural emergencies or terrorist attacks, and the difference in men's versus women's opinions on disaster preparedness.

December 2004
Ready or Not? 2004
Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism
TFAH's second annual study of preparedness finds that, despite incremental progress, the government still has a long way to go to protect the American people from a bioterror attack. The report examines 10 key indicators to gauge state preparedness and determine America's overall readiness in responding to bioterrorist attacks and other health emergencies.

October 2004
F as in Fat 2004
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
The first edition of the F as in Fat report states that Nearly 119 million American adults, 65 percent of the population, were overweight or obese in 2004. TFAH breaks down the rate of obesity for each state, as well as the obesity-related costs per-person. Data is included on the rates of disease associated with obesity in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

October 2004
Nationwide Health Tracking: Investigating Life-Saving Discoveries
Chronic diseases, such as cancer, asthma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's are responsible for seven out of every ten deaths, many of them preventable. This policy update advocates a nationwide health tracking network (NHTN) to identify and understand the factors causing or contributing to these diseases.

August 2004
Closing the Vaccination Gap
A Shot in the Arm for Childhood Immunization Programs
TFAH and Every Child by Two joined to examine childhood immunization policy in the U.S. and the persistent 20 percent shortfall of preschoolers who do not receive routine vaccines on time. The groups identify ways to close this gap.

July 2004
West Nile Virus: 2004 Expected to Be Most Severe Year Yet
West Nile virus (WNV) was first discovered in the U.S. in 1999, and is now considered part of America's public health landscape. TFAH's report finds that the spread of the virus raises serious public health concerns and demonstrates the need for a shift in America's approach to emerging infectious diseases.

April 2004
Analysis Finds Worrisome Gaps in U.S. Planning for an Avian Flu Outbreak
This review of U.S. pandemic flu plans finds that many planning topics remain under-addressed and additional actions could be taken to improve preparations and reduce the risks posed by an outbreak. Some key areas of concern include vaccine and treatment shortfalls, gaps in containment strategies, limited plans to keep the public informed, and an inadequate review of state plans for quality and feasibility.

February 2004
Facing The Flu: From the Bird Flu to a Possible Pandemic, Why Isn't America Ready?
In the midst of the bird flu outbreak of 2004 and the emergence of avian influenza in Asia, TFAH examines significant flu-related questions in this issue paper, and recommends actions public health officials should take to better prepare for the threat flu poses to the country every year.

February 2004
TFAH Releases Analysis of President's Budget
TFAH's analysis of the President's proposed budget for FY 2005 finds a $105 million dollar decrease in federal funding for state and local bioterrorism preparedness.

January 2004
Poll Report on America's Top Health Concerns
In this TFAH-commissioned poll, Americans rate the flu epidemic, cancer, and obesity as top health concerns. Nearly three in four Americans say the government needs to spend more on health priorities and emerging threats. Spending on public health is viewed as vital to improving homeland security.

December 2003
Ready or Not? 2003
Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism
This 2003 report discovers that after two years and nearly $2 billion of federal bioterrorism preparedness funding, states are only modestly better prepared to respond to health emergencies than they were prior to September 11, 2001. The report examines 10 key indicators to assess areas of improvement and ongoing vulnerability.

September 2003
Improving Cancer Tracking Today Saves Lives Tomorrow: Do States Make the Grade?
More than 30 years after the launch of the national War on Cancer, the disease remains the top health concern of Americans. This report examines how well state health agencies are doing in their efforts to track, control and prevent cancer, and awards grades on a state-by-state basis.

August 2003
Animal-Borne Epidemics Out of Control
Threatening the Nation's Health
Episodes of animal-borne diseases, also referred to as zoonotic diseases, are increasing around the globe. This report examines the public health response to five of these emerging animalborne diseases: monkeypox, WNV, mad cow disease, Lyme disease, and CWD.

June 2003
Public Health Laboratories: Unprepared and Overwhelmed
This report addresses the role of public health laboratories, which are designed to respond to terrorism as well as more conventional threats -- from analyzing water contaminants to cancer screening. TFAH finds that these vital facilities have fallen into a state of disrepair. The report also makes a series of assessments on the ability of state public health labs to respond to specific chemical weapon events.

May 2003
SARS and Its Implications for U.S. Public Health Policy - "We've Been Lucky"
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious public health threat. A SARS outbreak would provide a "real time" example of the complex challenges facing the U.S. public health system. This report provides a brief analysis of the key public health infrastructure components that would be engaged in a SARS epidemic and TFAH's recommendations for strengthening them.

April 2003
Analysis of the Administration's Fiscal Year 2004 Budget for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This analysis includes a table providing a comparison of the FY 2002 final appropriations levels; the FY 2003 enacted appropriations levels and the President's FY 2004 budget request. In several cases, these numbers show a pattern of budget cuts that puts the health of Americans at risk.

September 2002
Public Health Preparedness: Progress and Challenges Since September 11, 2001
This preparedness progress report, written one year after September 11th 2001 and subsequent anthrax attack, analyzes the government's response. TFAH finds that public health officials acted quickly to limit harm to people's health. However, these crises also revealed the limits of the public health system.

February 2002
Birth Defects Tracking and Prevention: Too Many States Are Not Making the Grade
This report concludes that most states are doing a poor job of tracking and preventing birth defects, which are the number one cause of infant mortality in the United States. Birth defects account for almost 20 percent of all infant deaths each year. The report gives each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, a letter grade based on their efforts to monitor and research birth defects.

July 2001
Short of Breath
Our Lack of Response to the Growing Asthma Epidemic and the Need for Nationwide Tracking
Asthma is America's fastest growing chronic affliction, but experts don't know why. This 2001 report shows that although the condition affects more than 17 million Americans--nearly five million of whom are children - 27 states don't track the disease at all.

5 Easy Steps to Making Health Advocacy Hometown News
Advocating for Better Health in Your Community Through Media Attention
Media coverage is often one of the most effective ways to raise public awareness and understanding about a health problem or issue that is of concern to you. TFAH outlines five steps any individual or organization can take to communicate the importance of a particular health issue to decision makers and their community.

You, Too, Can Be An Effective Health Advocate
Make a Difference in 5 Easy Steps
An advocate is someone who defends a cause or petitions on another's behalf. Effective advocacy is a powerful prescription for improving your health, the health of your family and your community. Read these action items to learn how you can be a health advocate in your community.