The Public Health Institute Urges Commitment to Prevention and Vital Health Programs during Federal Budget Process

While acknowledging that President Obama’s 2013 budget must reflect difficult choices during this troubled economic time, the Public Health Institute (PHI) urges that the U.S. remain committed to vital investments in prevention and public health, including the national Prevention and Public Health Fund.

“Federal investment in health and prevention are more critical than ever,” said Mary A. Pittman, DrPH, president and CEO of PHI. “Initiatives like the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which can help keep Americans healthy and productive while lowering healthcare costs, can play an important role in the nation’s economic recovery and should not be slashed now for short-term political or fiscal gain.”

The President’s 2013 budget released today includes a $4 billion dollar cut to the Prevention and Public Health Fund over 10 years. It also includes base funding reductions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most forms of global health funding also saw reductions, with the exception of family planning and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“As President Obama has said, investments in international development and health are vital to our national security and our economic interests,” said Suzanne Petroni, PhD, vice president of global health at PHI. “While increased funding for international family planning and the Global Fund is encouraging, it’s critical that the U.S. maintain strong leadership on a variety of international health issues so that we can continue moving from a world where billions live in deprivation, poverty and ill health.”