Public Health Priorities

2025 Advocacy Priorities

Making Public Health A Top National Priority

Adopted by the APHA Executive Board- October 21, 2024

  • Increase and protect funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure and workforce.
  • Uphold and strengthen the Affordable Care Act and further expand access to health coverage and services.
  • Tackle the health impacts of climate change.
  • Protect access to women’s health services and reproductive health care.
  • Strengthen and uphold critical public health laws including defending and challenging existing public health and environmental health laws in the federal courts.
  • Address the nation’s gun violence epidemic by advocating for evidence-based firearm safety laws including universal background checks for all gun purchases, red flag laws and firearm licensing. Maintain and bolster funding for gun violence prevention research.
  • Continue support for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages in the Israel-Hamas war. Continue advocacy for humanitarian aid and other health needs in the region.

APHA will also be closely monitoring other important issues including (key examples only - not an exhaustive list):

  • Reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act
  • Support FDA prohibition on sale of menthol cigarettes.
  • Passing a long-term Farm Bill to protect nutrition security.
  • Protect nutrition standards for children.
  • Monitor, evaluate and advocate against relevant Project 2025 policy proposals.

2024 Advocacy Priorities

  • Increase and protect funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure.
  • Uphold the Affordable Care Act and expand access to health coverage and services.
  • Address the health impacts of climate change.
  • Protect access to reproductive health care.
  • Pass a long-term Farm Bill to protect nutrition security.
  • Protect nutrition standards for children.
  • Uphold and strengthen critical public health laws and regulations and reverse damaging rollbacks.
  • Address the nation’s gun violence epidemic.

What can you do?