National Prevention Strategy

Overview

The National Prevention Strategy is a health and wellness initiative developed by 17 federal departments and agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Surgeon General, in collaboration with outside experts and stakeholders. The initiative’s objective is to promote the most effective and achievable means for improving health across the nation.

The strategy provides evidence-based recommendations that are fundamental to improving health through the active engagement of all sectors of society. These recommendations follow four strategic directions:

Building Healthy and Safe Community Environments: Prevention of disease starts in our communities and at home, not just in doctor’s office.
Expanding Quality Preventive Service in Both Clinical and Community Settings: When people receive preventive care, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, they have better health and lower health care costs.
Empowering People to Make Healthy Choices: When people have access to actionable and easy-to-understand information and resources, they are empowered to make healthier choices.
Eliminating Health Disparities: By eliminating disparities in achieving and maintaining health, the quality of life can be improved for all Americans.

The strategy’s seven priority areas include:

Tobacco-free living
Preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use
Healthy eating
Active living
Injury and violence-free living
Reproductive and sexual health
Mental and emotional well-being

Family physicians are essential providers of preventive care services, and can help individuals adopt, embrace, and sustain healthier lifestyles. The AAFP and its members are committed to supporting the National Prevention Strategy in a collaborative process that will boost the health of our patients, families, and communities.