Using Data to

Drive Policy Change

The Power of Law and Policy for Community Health

Marice Ashe, JD, MPH

ChangeLab Solutions

Practical Playbook National ConferenceMay 23, 2016

Healthy communities

for all through better laws & policies

Overview

The Problems

Cancer

Heart Disease

& Stroke

Diabetes

Respiratory

Diseases

Four diseases that

cause…

…over 50% of ALL premature deaths

Education

Clinical Interventions

Long-lastingProtective Interventions

Changing the Context to

Make Individuals’ Default

Decisions Easier

Socioeconomic Factors

Source: Friedrn T.R. (2010). A Framework for Public Health Action: The Health Impact Pyramid.

American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 590-595.

Problem

Tobacco Use

Public policy

drove the decline of tobacco use

1900 20101930s 1960s

Sm

okin

g R

ate

s

WWII

Education

First Surgeon

General’s Report

Federal

Cigarette

Tax Doubles

Policy Change

Start Nonsmokers

Rights Movement

First Great

American

Smokeout

25% fewer tobacco-related

diseases (compared to the

rest of the nation)

California 1989-2008

$134 billion saved

6.79 billion fewer packs

Problem

Unhealthy Housing

BLMurch

PhotoDu.de

Wayne’s eye view

Insufficient quality

housing that is affordable

= families in substandard

housing

Healthy People 2020

CDC Studies

IOM Reports

Housing Codes and Inspection Reports

American Housing Survey

Joint Center for Housing Studies

Sources of Data

Community-led participatory research

Image: Greensboro Housing Coalition

Problem

Physical Inactivity Unhealthy Foods

Healthy People 2020

CDC Studies

IOM Reports

Comprehensive/General Plans

Local Zoning Codes

Neighborhood Surveys/Audits

Sources of Data

Transportation

Healthy Schools Active Living

Healthy Eating Healthy,

SmokefreeHousing

Economic Opportunity

Healthy

Policies

Thank you!Marice Ashe, JD, MPH

ChangeLab Solutions

mashe@changelabsolutions.org