Supporting Policy

Oppose cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund

The Prevention and Public Health Fund supports crucial prevention programs throughout the country, and many reflect the aims and mission of SBM. Unfortunately, it continues to be at risk. Last week, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund in order to pay for a temporary delay in the increase in student loan rates. Repealing the Fund would jeopardize public health and prevention efforts underway at the community level - including childhood immunization programs, efforts to address childhood obesity, and other critical public health functions aimed at healthier students and families.

Now, the Senate is expected to vote on the same bill next Tuesday.

If you believe that efforts to cut the fund are unacceptable and that Congress should find a way to deal with student loans without jeopardizing critical public health funding, then contact your Senators. Use the Find your Legislators tool directly below to access the contact pages of your Senators. Write a personal message to them directly on their contact page and feel free to use the template message below.

Template Letter

Subject line: Protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund!

Message:

Dear [Decision Maker],

I write to urge you to reject the latest attack on the Prevention and Public Health Fund that will be considered on the Senate floor on Tuesday, May 8. This proposed legislation would cut $6 billion from the fund to pay for student loans.

The Prevention and Public Health Fund represents a historic investment in changing our health system from one that focuses on treating the sick to one that focuses on keeping people healthy. Nearly 75 percent of our nation's health care spending each year is on treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Investing in prevention will save lives and money for future generations of Americans.

Already this year, resources from the fund are being used to control the obesity epidemic, reduce tobacco use, modernize vaccination systems and for other important interventions that will improve the health of the nation's children and research has show will ultimately improve student achievement.

Public health funding, including the Prevention and Public Health Fund, has already seen significant reductions in recent years. I urge you to end the ongoing attacks on the fund and to reject any future efforts to eliminate or reduce any critical public health funding. The health of the American public depends on your support for strong public health and prevention programs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]