From SOPHE National:

Advocacy Alert: Restore Critical Public Health Funding

Hello, SOPHE Advocates:

Take Action Today! U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) have introduced the Public Health Funding Restoration Act, a landmark bill to fully restore funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF). This legislation is crucial to ensuring robust, sustainable funding for vital public health programs that protect and enhance the health of our communities.

Why It Matters

The PPHF provides essential resources for programs that:

Increase vaccination rates to prevent infectious diseases.
Combat chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Deliver health education to promote wellness and prevention.

Originally intended to reach $2 billion annually by 2015, the PPHF has been underfunded for years. This has hindered the ability of public health systems at federal, state, and local levels to combat emerging health threats and support innovative prevention initiatives.

The Public Health Funding Restoration Act would authorize and appropriate $2 billion annually starting in FY2025, providing stable funding to:

Expand innovative programs that address health disparities.
Equip public health systems to prepare for future pandemics and emergencies.
Reinforce prevention as a cornerstone of an affordable, accessible health care system.

What’s Next?

This legislation is supported by over 90 public health organizations, including SOPHE, American Public Health Association, and Trust for America’s Health. However, your voice is critical to ensuring this bill moves forward.

What Can You Do?

Contact Your Representatives and Senators: Urge them to cosponsor (thank them if they have done so already) and support the Public Health Funding Restoration Act. Use this link to find your representatives: Find Your Elected Officials https://www.lwv.org/take-action/find-your-elected-officials
Spread the Word: Share this alert with your networks and on social media using the hashtag #RestorePPHF.
Educate Your Community: Highlight the importance of the PPHF in reducing chronic disease, increasing vaccination access, and preparing for future health threats.
Endorse the Legislation (If you represent an organization): Join the list of supporting organizations. Contact Tim Hughes info@tfah.org for details.

“The Prevention and Public Health Fund is a vital investment in our nation’s health. Restoring this funding will advance efforts to reduce the burden of chronic disease and protect our communities from emerging threats.”

– Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO, Trust for America’s Health

Let’s take a stand for public health. Together, we can restore critical funding and ensure healthier futures for all Americans.

Full text of the bill:
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/11-14-2024_public_health_funding_restoration_act_bill_text.pdf