Stephanie Mayfield Gibson, M.D., FCAP
Chair, TFAH Board of Directors

Public health in the United States is at an inflection point. Threats to our health are rapidly evolving, but there is an opportunity to execute effective policies and practices to protect and strengthen the nation’s health. Policymakers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with much-needed investments in public health infrastructure, but that progress will be at risk if increased funding is not sustained.

As a non-profit, non-partisan public health organization, Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) remains committed to advancing evidence-based policies that will strengthen the public health system to meet both acute and chronic health challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

In 2023, TFAH completed and began execution of its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. The priorities and objectives laid out in the plan are designed to help foster a strong, resilient, trusted, and equitable public health system. Our Board of Directors worked hand-in-hand to support the TFAH staff in developing the plan. It provides an essential framework for our research, policy, advocacy, and organizational development efforts going forward. Of note, TFAH’s dedicated and committed staff, led by President and CEO, Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, and our Board of Directors, felt it crucial to clearly outline our organizational development efforts in Strategic Priority 4: A dynamic, sought-after, people-centered organization that is thriving. The complete 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan found here: https://www.tfah.org/about/tfah-strategic-plan/

In addition to the release of our strategic plan, TFAH continued to be a thought leader and propelled critical work in the areas of public health funding and emergency preparedness, advancing an age-friendly public health system, addressing the social determinants of health, transforming the mental health and substance use prevention system, and helping states and communities prepare for climate-related health impacts.

At TFAH, we value communication of evidence based policy and collaboration. As such, TFAH presented at the National Press Club on recommended policies related to the impact of obesity on our nation as highlighted in our State of Obesity 2023: Better Policies for a Healthier America report. Obesity affects 41.9 percent of adults and nearly 20 percent of children ages 2-19 years of age in the U.S. The report can be found here:

State of Obesity 2023: Better Policies for a Healthier America

In 2023, TFAH joined public health organizations and more than 100 public health deans and scholars in filing an amicus brief in the Braidwood Management, Inc. v. Becerra case. The brief highlights the evidence that access to preventive services is critical to supporting the health and well-being of individuals and families and urge federal courts to uphold no-cost coverage of preventive health services and screenings for more than 150 million Americans.

What’s next for TFAH: In 2024, a U.S. presidential election year, TFAH will present a policy blueprint to the new Administration and Congress on policies to make the U.S. healthier. The organization recognizes that just as this is a vital moment for public health, it is likewise a pivotal moment for TFAH. Guided by our new strategic plan, we are steadfast in our commitment to being a dynamic and thriving organization. That commitment is a reflection of the dedication of our Board of Directors, the TFAH President and CEO, Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, and the entire TFAH staff.

I want to extend a special thank you to our funders for their generous and essential support. Your support enables TFAH to further our mission. We will continue our engagement with policymakers, allied organizations, practitioners, and others to promote optimal health for every person and community and strengthen the nation’s health and well-being.