Respond to the surgeon general’s call to action on community, health and prosperity

I am absolutely delighted to report that U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, is in the early phases of preparing a new Surgeon General’s Call to Action. This effort will focus on how we can improve community health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity. Now, we have an opportunity to provide input on this endeavor.

Why is this report so important? We have known for quite some time that most issues with health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity have their origins in how our communities function. In healthcare, we call these community factors the “social and physical determinants of health”, and we appreciate the exceptionally important role they play in physical and mental health and wellbeing.

A few pointed examples will help to make the case: One’s ZIP code is more predictive of one’s health status and longevity than is one’s genetics. A person born in poverty will die five to seven years younger than one who is not. A child exposed to six or more adverse childhood events (ACEs) has almost a certain probability of developing a behavioral health condition as a young adult. This list could be multiplied several times over.

What is most exciting about this Call to Action is that Adams will propose strategies to improve community health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity. In fact, this will represent an effort to engage prevention and promotion where they actually originate. All of this is very promising, indeed.

Currently, the HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is soliciting comments by Nov. 5 on the surgeon general’s efforts. Complete details about this solicitation can be found in the federal government's Federal Register journal.

The notice soliciting comments asserts that “…only about 20% of the factors that influence a person’s health can be addressed by health care and the remaining 80% reflect socioeconomic, environmental or behavioral factors. Focusing on strategies that address the social and community conditions could improve health, life expectancy, and quality of life, while also reducing related health care costs and productivity losses. Investing in communities to improve the health and well-being of people could also revitalize and improve economic opportunity, enhancing prosperity in the community and for its residents and businesses.”

Comments and recommendations are invited in the following six areas:

• Available data, evidence and/or experience(s) (a) that suggest private sector investments in community health have improved community health and prosperity; (b) that healthier communities help private sector businesses to be more successful and competitive; (c) descriptions of related data systems and evaluation frameworks; and (d) relevant case studies.
• Types of investments that private sector and local policymakers can consider to improve health and wellness of employees and families, and community well-being and prosperity.
• Types of partners or coalitions that have invested in community health and the scope of their collaborations and contributions.
• Important barriers to and facilitators of success.
• Rationales used by private sector and local policy makers for making investments in community health.
• Successful efforts by local policymakers to promote and sustain private sector investments in community health.

Comments can be submitted (identified by Docket No. CDC–2018– 0082) via:

• The Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Martin J. Vincent, Office of the Associate Director for Policy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mail Stop D–28, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to emphasize the key role that behavioral health plays in promoting community health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity. I hope that you will respond.