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. 2017 Jan 13;6(2):3.
eCollection 2017 Jan.

Building a National Culture of Health: Background, Action Framework, Measures, and Next Steps

Anita Chandra, Joie Acosta, Katherine Grace Carman, Tamara Dubowitz, Laura Leviton, Laurie T Martin, Carolyn Miller, Christopher Nelson, Tracy Orleans, Margaret Tait, Matthew Trujillo, Vivian Towe, Douglas Yeung, Alonzo L Plough

Building a National Culture of Health: Background, Action Framework, Measures, and Next Steps

Anita Chandra et al. Rand Health Q. .

Abstract

Because health is a function of more than medical care, solutions to U.S. health problems must encompass more than reforms to health care systems. But those working to improve health, well-being, and equity still too often find themselves traveling on parallel paths that rarely intersect. In 2013, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) embarked on a pioneering effort to advance a Culture of Health initiative. A Culture of Health places well-being at the center of every aspect of life, with the goal of enabling everyone in our diverse society to lead healthier lives, now and for generations to come. To put this vision into action, RWJF worked with RAND to develop an action framework that identifies how the nation will work toward achieving these outcomes. This article provides background on the development of this action framework. The Culture of Health action framework is designed around four action areas and one outcome area. Action areas are the core areas in which investment and activity are needed: (1) making health a shared value; (2) fostering cross-sector collaboration to improve well-being; (3) creating healthier, more equitable communities; and (4) strengthening integration of health services and systems. Each action area contains a set of drivers indicating where the United States needs to accelerate change and a set of measures illustrating places for progress. Within the primary Culture of Health outcome---improved population health, well-being, and equity---the authors identified three outcome areas: enhanced individual and community well-being, managed chronic disease and reduced toxic stress, and reduced health care costs.

Keywords: Chronic Diseases and Conditions; Community Health; Health Behaviors; Health Care Costs; Health Interventions; Health and Wellness Promotion; Health-related Quality Of Life; United States.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Culture of Health Action Framework
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Process for Action Framework Development
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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