Pathway to a Healthier America: A Blueprint for Strengthening Public Health for the Next Administration and Congress

Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) held a national briefing of its latest milestone report: Pathway to a Healthier America: A Blueprint for Strengthening Public Health for the Next Administration and Congress.  A recording of the briefing, which was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC will be available soon.

Public health sits at an inflection point. Despite its critical role in saving lives and protecting our communities from 21st century threats, public health is at risk. Regardless of the outcome of the November election, the next Administration and Congress have the opportunity to strengthen public health and create a more resilient nation.

TFAH’s Blueprint is a roadmap for policymakers that, if adopted, will safeguard the nation’s health security, promote wellness, and above all, save lives. The event featured highlights from the report as well as engaging conversations with our speakers.

Blueprint Discussions

The Path Forward for Our Nation’s Health and Health Security

• The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, 20th Secretary of Health and Human Services (2005 to 2009) and former Governor of Utah
• The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, 21st Secretary of Health and Human Services (2009 to 2014) and former Governor of Kansas

Promoting Health and Saving Lives: Supporting Public Health on the Frontlines 

• Frederick P. Cerise, M.D., MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer, Parkland Health
• Susan Kansagra, M.D., MBA, Former North Carolina State Health Officer and Assistant Secretary for Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• Anand Parekh, M.D., MPH, Chief Medical Advisor, Bipartisan Policy Center and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Panelists

• The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt
  Michael O. Leavitt was elected as Governor of Utah for three terms (1993 to 2003), and served in two roles in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush, first as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2003 to 2005), and then as Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (2005 to 2009).
  Bio
  
• The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
  Kathleen Sebelius is one of America’s foremost experts on national and global health issues, human services, and executive leadership. As CEO of Sebelius Resources LLC, she provides strategic advice to companies, investors, and non-profit organizations.
  Bio
  
• Frederick P. Cerise, M.D., MPH
  Frederick Cerise, M.D., MPH has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkland Health since March 2014. Parkland is one of the largest academic and public safety net hospital systems in the country serving the comprehensive healthcare needs of a largely uninsured population.
  Bio
  
• Susan Kansagra, M.D., MBA
  Susan Kansagra, MD, MBA is a public health leader with two decades of experience supporting health at the state, local, and national levels.
  Bio
  
• Anand Parekh, M.D., MPH
  Dr. Anand Parekh is Chief Medical Advisor at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) where he provides clinical and public health expertise across the organization.
  Bio