Family physicians are ideally positioned to spearhead the nation's public health efforts. As policymakers seek public health protections and improvements, the Academy engages with legislators and regulators at all levels to provide critical frontline data and perspective on a range of crucial issues.
No specialty treats a broader range of conditions than family physicians, and none offers similarly dynamic longitudinal care to so many Americans. That's why the Academy is at the vanguard of the nation’s public health effort, amplifying the voice of primary care at the policymaking table.
The AAFP fights to improve physician payment, and boost training and education investments for physicians to integrate behavioral health care into their practices.
Family physicians serve as public health advocates and evidence-driven scientists while working with lawmakers toward developing and implementing sound environmental health policies.
The Academy believes that all people should attain the highest level of health. This includes the capacity to heal and to function within the contexts of family, community, and environment.
Family physicians can play an important role in teaching communities about safe behaviors while helping to advance policies that promote safety and discourage violence.
The Academy is committed to working with government agencies to support strategies for reversing the obesity epidemic, a complex and costly public health threat.
Promoting policies that mitigate prescription drug abuse while ensuring continued patient access to safe and effective pain management is an advocacy priority for the Academy
The Academy is part of an important federal initiative focused on providing evidence-based recommendations to help improve the nation’s health.
Primary care physicians 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.
The AAFP believes that all children and adults should have access to all recommended immunizations, and that the federal government has a substantial role to play to ensure that access.
Coverage of preventive and wellness services for women is mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Academy is committed to influencing policy that improves women's health outcomes.