Prevention and public health advocacy
We’re at the vanguard of the nation’s public health effort, amplifying the voice of primary care at the policymaking table.
Family physicians treat a broader range of conditions than any other medical specialty. As policymakers seek public health protections and improvements, the Academy engages with legislators and regulators at all levels on a range of crucial issues.
Behavioral health
The AAFP fights to improve physician payment, and boost training and education investments for physicians to integrate behavioral health care into their practices.
Environmental health
Family physicians serve as public health advocates and evidence-driven scientists while working with lawmakers toward implementing sound environmental health policies.
Health equity
The AAFP is committed to developing strategies that promote health equity through identifying and incorporating social determinants of health in all health care delivery systems.
Injury prevention and violence
Violence as a major public health concern that family physicians can address in substantial ways—through patient interaction and beyond.
Obesity prevention and treatment
The AAFP is committed to working with government agencies to support strategies for reversing the obesity epidemic.
Prescription drug issues
Promoting policies that mitigate prescription drug abuse, while ensuring continued patient access to safe and effective pain management, is an advocacy priority for the AAFP.
Preventive health
The AAFP is committed to building healthy communities, lowering health care costs, and improving patient well-being through high-quality health care delivery and access.
Tobacco and nicotine use
FPs see firsthand tobacco's heavy toll on U.S. public health. The AAFP advocates for appropriate regulation of this single leading cause of preventable death in America.
Vaccines and immunizations
The AAFP advocates at the federal and state levels to improve vaccination access, administration and uptake.
Women's health
The AAFP supports legal, clinically indicated care for all women without undue interference and advocates for policies that protect this access and preserve the physician-payment relationship.
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