Phase I Report
Recommendations for the Framework and Format of Healthy People 2020

Section II. Methodology

The Advisory Committee held six meetings between January 31, 2008 and October 15, 2008. Two of these took place in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area; the remaining four were conducted remotely, via Web-enhanced teleconferences. In keeping with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, each meeting was open to the public. Committee members received briefing materials in advance of each meeting; the materials were also made available to the public. Key Advisory Committee recommendations were approved by formal votes during open, public meetings. (See Appendix 4 for brief descriptions of each meeting.)

Role and Contributions of Subcommittees and Ad Hoc Groups

At its first meeting, the Advisory Committee formed five subcommittees to permit in-depth discussion of important topics. In most cases, the charges for these groups related to the proposed overarching goals for Healthy People 2020. The membership of each subcommittee comprised a small number of Advisory Committee members and a larger number of external members who were selected by the Advisory Committee Chair and Vice-chair on the basis of their expertise. See Appendix 5 for a list of the charges and members of subcommittees. The five subcommittees (and corresponding goals, as applicable) were:

• Subcommittee on Health Equity and Disparities
• Subcommittee on Priorities
• Subcommittee on Environment and Determinants
• Subcommittee on Life Stages and Developmental Stages
• Subcommittee on User Questions and Needs.

Later, the Advisory Committee convened two ad hoc groups to address special topics: Health IT and a graphic model for Healthy People 2020 (participation in these groups was limited to Advisory Committee members). Each subcommittee and ad hoc group held a series of discussions by conference call. The groups prepared written products and suggestions, which were presented to the full Advisory Committee for discussion and approval at public meetings.

Advisory Committee Receipt of Public Input

During Phase I, three mechanisms were used to gather public input into the Advisory Committee's work and the development of Healthy People 2020 in general. These processes allowed Committee members to incorporate public input into the recommendations.

• ODPHP created and maintained a public comment Web site, which went live on March 17, 2008. Users were invited to comment on the vision statement, mission statement, overarching goals, and dual focus of Healthy People 2020 on health determinants and disease-specific categories. Advisory Committee members received periodic analyses of comments submitted to the site.
• ODPHP held six regional meetings across the United States between March and May, 2008. At each meeting, a representative of the Advisory Committee was present.
• Members of the public were invited to present oral comments to the full Advisory Committee at one of its in-person meetings in Washington, D.C.

During phase II (late 2008-2009), the public will continue to be engaged in the process of developing Healthy People 2020 and will be able to comment on the actual objectives.

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Continue to Section III. Historical Context for Developing Healthy People 2020
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Last revised: December 11, 2008