Policy Briefs

In October 2024, the APHA Governing Council voted to replace policy statements with public health issue briefs. 

Implementation of this new process will occur in early 2025. An implementation committee will be formed in late 2024 who will be responsible for designing the forms, rubrics, and material necessary for successful implementation. Finalized author guidelines will be made available in the coming months and the first intent to write submissions will be accepted in summer 2025. 

Current policy statements will not be redesigned to fit this new format and remain available in the policy statement database.

Why Public Health Policy Briefs?

APHA builds public health capacity and promotes effective public health policy and practice. To help guide and inform its work and the work of its members and Affiliates, the Association considers the adoption of evidence-informed Public Health Policy Briefs that are submitted for consideration by its members annually. Each submission undergoes a thorough and rigorous review by the Evidentiary Review Committee, considering the input of members and designated subject matter experts. Those proposals that meet the required criteria are then forwarded to the Governing Council for consideration and final adoption.

The Proposed Public Health Policy Brief development cycle is one of the Association's most important activities, as it provides evidence for the field of public health. It provides resources and tools to the field at large. These Policy Briefs are often cited in court cases, academic articles, and legislation. They are one of the most viewed items on the APHA website.

What are public health issue briefs and how are they used?

APHA Public Health Policy Briefs serve as an information resource to many, including APHA staff, members, Affiliates, partners, media, and policymakers.

The Policy Briefs:
• Provide the evidence base for legislative and regulatory recommendations, including letters, comments, and testimony to Congress, the White House, federal agencies, and the judiciary.
• Help in the development of legislative, regulatory and media advocacy activities.
• Provide easy access to the latest research and
• Assist in developing briefing material for the media, fact sheets, reports, and infographics used in education and advocacy work. Additionally, congressional staff and regulatory agencies refer to APHA Policy Briefs as a reference or resource when developing legislation and regulations.

Policy Briefs must be consistent with APHA's mission, vision, and values, be relevant to current or future public health issues, and avoid conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest between the authors’ financial or other personal interests and the goals and policies of the Association. Policy Briefs should describe and endorse a defined course of action, ranging from legislation and regulations to developing new policies for non-governmental organizations and private enterprises. The recommendations or action steps included in Policy Briefs must be externally directed.

Public Health Policy Briefs do not define but inform the Association’s advocacy efforts. They provide evidence to support the Association in speaking on these public health issues.

The following policy statements were adopted by the Governing Council on October 29, 2024 and are currently undergoing copy editing. They will be available for use by mid-January 2025.