(September 23, 2008) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA-34) applauded the final passage by voice vote today of a resolution she introduced expressing support in Congress for an “increased federal commitment to prioritizing prevention and public health for all people in the United States.” 

Over 160 health advocacy groups endorsed the bipartisan bill (H. Res. 1381).  The resolution calls for an increased federal commitment for disease prevention, based on evidence that shows prevention efforts can help reduce rates of many serious diseases and related health care costs.  The resolution acknowledged the toll chronic diseases and conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease take on America’s families and the U.S. economy. Chronic diseases currently account for 75 percent of health care spending and seven out of every 10 deaths in the U.S. 

“Final passage of this resolution gives us an opportunity to send a clear message to the next Congress that public health and prevention must be an essential part of any health care reform package,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “The entire public health community agrees that prevention is a critical component to successfully addressing our nation’s public health crisis and reining in the astronomical cost of health care.  By investing in prevention, we can save lives and money.”

“Representatives Roybal-Allard, McGovern, Granger, Moran, DeGette, and Castle should be commended for their leadership and commitment to improving the health of Americans,” said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH.  “Preventing disease is one of the most important ways we can cut health care costs and ensure that Americans live longer, healthier lives.  During this time of economic crisis, investments that could help save the country money are more important than ever.”

America spends more than $2.2 trillion on health care annually, which is nearly three times more than in 1990 and over eight times more than in 1980. The resolution states that the best way to control these costs and give all Americans the opportunity to lead healthier lives is to prioritize common-sense preventive measures, such as increasing physical activity and promoting better nutrition. 

The members cite recommendations from two recent studies on the impact of chronic disease.  A recent report by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease noted that the indirect health care costs of chronic disease, such as absenteeism, cost our economy $1 trillion each year. Yet, less than 4 cents of every health care dollar is spent on prevention and public health. 

A new report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) entitled Prevention for a Healthier America finds that a small strategic investment in disease prevention could result in significant savings in U.S. health care costs.  An investment of $10 per person per year in proven community-based programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and prevent smoking and other tobacco use could save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years –.  That is a return of $5.60 for every $1.  And, a report by the Partnership for Prevention found that if 90 percent of Americans received five key preventive services, it could save more than 100,000 lives each year. These preventive services include increasing the number of Americans who take an aspirin daily, providing support for smoking cessation, screening for colorectal and breast cancer, and annual flu immunizations.

In addition to Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, original co-sponsors of the resolution include: James McGovern (D-MA-3) and Kay Granger (R-TX-12) of the Study Group on Public Health; Jim Moran (D-VA-8) of the Prevention Caucus; and Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) and Michael Castle (R-DE) of the Diabetes Caucus.  These Members are all co-chairs of their respective groups.