Health in All Policies

Policy decisions made at the federal, state, and local levels directly affect the health of our communities by influencing the social and economic factors that drive the social determinants of health (SDoH). Health outcomes, particularly for communities already experiencing disparities, are often not considered in legislative agenda-setting and the development of public policy. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports Health in All Policies as a strategy to improve population health, promote sustainability, and advance health equity.

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a collaborative approach to policymaking that incorporates health considerations into policies that shape and influence the SDoH. HiAP seeks to identify mutual goals and shared benefits with an appreciation for context and community perspective. HiAP relies on both scientific evidence and community input to help policymakers make informed decisions about policies and services across all levels of government. By including evidence-based tools like health impact assessments and environmental impact assessments in the review of policy proposals, HiAP elevates the voice of communities and stakeholders in the process of decision making. (2020) (January 2022 COD)