HHS Releases Healthy People 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week released Healthy People 2020, the nation's new 10-year goals and objectives for health promotion and disease prevention. The much-anticipated document provides a framework for public health priorities and actions.

“Too many people are not reaching their full potential for health because of preventable conditions,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D. M.P.H. “Healthy People is the nation’s roadmap and compass for better health, providing our society a vision for improving both the quantity and quality of life for all Americans.”

Among the 2020 Topics and Objectives is to reduce substance abuse, especially among children and youth. The document states: “substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative, significantly contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems.”

Healthy People 2020 integrates input from public health and prevention experts, a wide range of federal, state and local government officials, a consortium of more than 2,000 organizations and the public. More than 8,000 comments were considered in drafting a comprehensive set of Healthy People 2020 objectives. Based on this input, a number of new topic areas are included in the new initiative, including:

• Adolescent Health
• Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
• Dementias, including Alzheimer’s Disease
• Early and Middle Childhood
• Genomics
• Global Health
• Health-Related Quality of Life and Well-Being
• Healthcare-Associated Infections
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
• Older Adults
• Preparedness
• Sleep Health
• Social Determinants of Health

Visit www.healthypeople.gov for more information.