For the Public's Health: Revitalizing Law and Policy to Meet New Challenges

Public policy can be one of the most effective approaches to protecting and improving the health of the population. At the request of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed how statutes and regulations prevent injury and disease, save lives, and improve the health of the population. The IOM recommends that the government update public health statutes to ensure that public health agencies are equipped to combat contemporary challenges. In addition,...
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Public policy can be one of the most effective approaches to protecting and improving the health of the population. At the request of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed how statutes and regulations prevent injury and disease, save lives, and improve the health of the population. The IOM recommends that the government update public health statutes to ensure that public health agencies are equipped to combat contemporary challenges. In addition, the IOM recommends that the government and private sector consider health in all policies and evaluate the health effects and costs of major legislation.