ACPM’s legislative agenda is grounded in increasing support for the preventive medicine physician workforce, expanding funding for public health initiatives and advocating for policy reforms that prioritize prevention, equitable access and evidence-based decision-making. Following are key advocacy initiatives for the College:
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Strengthen the Preventive Medicine Workforce: Advocate for increased funding, hiring and support of the preventive medicine specialty by educating Congress and the Administration on the role and unique skillset of these physicians to address the nation's shortage of public health doctors.
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Prevent Chronic Disease: Advocate for the integration of lifestyle medicine into healthcare and for legislation and reimbursement for prevention-focused care, ultimately educating and advocating for lifestyle changes and policies that encourage prevention efforts to reduce illness and death related to nutrition, environment, tobacco and substance abuse.
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Fortify Public Health Infrastructure: Advocate for sustained federal health funding, alongside state and local health departments, to support chronic disease prevention, emergency preparedness and public health resilience, which incorporates governmental public health collaboration to address data modernization efforts, primary prevention initiatives and education.
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Ensure Access to Quality Care: Advocate for policies that advance health equity, protecting evidence-based research, education and care for underserved, rural and vulnerable communities and the population to ensure equitable access to health services preventing injury, illness and death.
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Embrace a “Health in All Policies” Approach: Support health care reform that prioritizes disease prevention and health promotion to reduce illness and death related to non-medical drivers of health through evidence-based, peer-supported interventions.
ACPM develops and advocates for public policies consistent with the scientific evidence and core principals of the preventive medicine profession to engage the administration, Congress and other stakeholders and apply the recommendations into actionable policies and initiatives. Healthier futures for all Americans are possible through collaboration and expertise from preventive medicine physicians.
ACPM is committed to driving impactful change through strategic advocacy to strengthen the field of preventive medicine and will prioritize these policy issues in 2025.