The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University sums up the public health challenges facing the United States in three words — complex, varied and growing.
“They span increasing chronic diseases, worsening effects of climate change and escalating health care costs,” according to a new report from the school. “There are also concerns about the opioid epidemic, gun violence and mental health issues, which continue to touch communities of all types. The state of the nation’s public health and how to improve it are issues at the top of policymakers’ minds, and they affect Americans’ lives in important ways.”
The school conducted a survey to determine views on public health priorities, progress and trust. These are the top public health priorities for Americans:
- One in four respondents selected health care access as their highest priority, and more than half rated it in their top three priorities.
- Other top priorities include ensuring safe food and water, reducing chronic disease and strengthening safety net programs.
- A majority of respondents believed the federal government can address most of their top public health concerns more effectively than state governments.
Respondents also shared their opinions about public health information:
- Respondents chose health care providers such as doctors and nurses, scientific research and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as their most trusted sources.
- The least-trusted sources of public health information were political leaders.
- Trust varied across demographic groups. Although adults aged 18 to 29 trust scientific research and health care providers about equally, adults 65 and older are much more likely to trust their provider.
- Social media also is much more trusted for public health information among young Americans than older ones and more among Republicans than Democrats.
The public’s expectation that the federal government rather than state governments tackle these issues further positions the new administration to take a focused and targeted approach to supporting the public health system at the federal level.
“Americans believe the government should prioritize improving health care access and affordability, ensuring food and water safety, and reducing chronic disease,” the report concluded. “These findings can inform the new administration’s public health strategy, highlighting areas to focus funding and efforts in tackling the challenges that matter most to Americans. Broad bipartisan support for the prioritization of these issues can empower public health officials to mobilize needed resources and work with stakeholders across party lines.”