1. Writing a Good APHA Policy Elaine Auld, MPH, CHES PHEHP Advocacy Co-chair, 2004 - present Joint Policy Committee, 2004-present American Public Health Association

2. Purpose of Presentation Overall Goal: To help APHA members take active role in policy process Objectives: To identify the basic characteristics of a good policy To outline the key components of a well written policy Acknowledgement: Thanks to Dr. Geraldine S. Perry-Allen Sims, former Science Board chair, for examples & input to this presentation

3. Characteristics of Good APHA Policy Proposal Useful – No APHA policy on the issue – Existing APHA policy(ies) outdated Provides broad policy direction/action – Not narrowly written – Avoid specific time-sensitive issue Timely Well written – Clear, concise, succinct Well referenced Adheres to APHA deadlines ~ 2/18/08

4. Getting Started Check APHA Policy schedule, deadlines – www.apha.org/advocacy/policy Review policy outline on APHA website Do search of existing APHA policies – Current/active policies – Proposed list for archiving each year Discuss w/ Section, Affiliate, SPIG, Caucus for input, ideas

5. Getting Started Two Major Types of Policies Resolution – Defined course of action – Limited focus on a particular issue Position Paper – Major exposition of APHA's viewpoint on a broad issue – More extensive elaboration than resolution – May/may not call for action – Ex – Pandemic Flu

6. Basic Components Title – State the public health problem – Type of strategy will address – Do not cite specific year – < 70 characters Key Words – 3-5 words that can be used to search the subject matter – Very important for future use

7. Basic Components State Over-riding concern – Identify single over-riding communication objective (SOCO) Ex. 1: Preventing Vision Loss through Smoking Cessation Ex. 2: Addressing Obesity and Health Disparities through Federal Nutrition and Agricultural Policy

8. Basic Components Relationship to existing APHA policy – Existing APHA policies related to topic Ex. 1 – Policies on obesity Ex. 2 - Policies on trans fat, high fat content of food, Dietary Guidelines – Include policy number (s) in the introduction section of the policy APHA support the Dietary Guidelines which suggest that trans fat should be reduced in the diet (Policy #) – State if proposed policy updates/replaces current policy

9. Basic Components Problem Statement – Public health problem Clear succinct statement Burden of the problem Should be well referenced (Numbered) Based on sound science

10. Basic Components Problem Statement – Public health problem Disproportionate impact (positive/negative) on underserved populations Avoid inflammatory language Sentence format – not “whereas” – Include any opposing issue Ex: Trans fats have been shown to be related to heart disease. Other studies have not supported this relationship.

11. Basic Components Proposed Recommendations – Strategy (ies) proposed Give evidence that the strategy has worked; list references – Ex - Reducing trans fats in the food supply will reduce mortality rates

12. Basic Components Proposed Recommendations Alternative strategies – Strategy tried or proposed – Give evidence to support effectiveness of suggested strategy – List references in appropriate format – Counter points on whether proposed strategy works

13. Basic Components Action Steps – Must be externally directed APHA urges CDC to organize an expert panel on the feasibility of reducing trans fats in processed foods No – APHA should hold a conference to examine trans fats – Must be feasible – Must be culturally appropriate – Must be linked to evidence presented in problem statement or strategy section

14. Basic Components References – Listed in order of mentioned in the body: Introduction (APHA policies) Problem statement Strategy section – Peer-reviewed Avoid personal correspondence – Primary sources Could use a good review article – Most recent references related to issue – Use AJPH format

15. Basic Components References – Examples of correct format 1. Aro A. Epidemiology of trans fatty acids and coronary heart disease in Europe. Nutr Metab Cardivasc Dis 1998;8:402-407 2. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Dietary Guidelines for Americans, January 12, 2005.

16. Basic Components References – Examples of correct format 3. Nutrition Subcommittee of the Food Advisory Committee, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (FSA) Summary Minutes, April 27-28, 2004, http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/0 4/minutes/2004-4035m1-summary.pdf, accessed on 11-3-2006. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/0 4/minutes/2004-4035m1-summary.pdf

17. Next Steps Before Submission – Circulate for comments Internally – Section/Unit leaders, Action Board member Externally - Other Sections/units likely to be interested – Revise – Get 1+ Section/Unit endorsements; indicate in signature/submission After Submission – Anticipate revisions