Sound public health policy requires expert public health analysis.  Our issue briefs  help policymakers and the public better understand  public health issues facing Virginia and to craft  policies that address them. 

Key Public Health Takeaways from Virginia's New Budget

Virginia's new biennial budget went into effect on July 1, 2022. The budget includes significant public health investments, which is something to celebrate. However, these investments are largely funded by one-time federal COVID-19 relief dollars. This progress will be short-lived unless Virginia policymakers sustain these investments with state dollars.

Read the report here.

Virginia's Public Health Landscape: A Call To Action

Virginia has the potential to be the healthiest state in the nation, but it has a long way to go. Recent health policy debates at the federal and state levels have focused on access to clinical care. Access to quality, affordable health care is necessary but insufficient. It is social, economic, and environmental factors that have the largest effect on wellbeing. Shifting the debate upstream to focus on Virginia's public health system is essential for addressing these factors.

This report reviews the history of Virginia's public health system, identifies current issues, and looks to the future. Its conclusion is simple: Strengthening Virginia's public health system is necessary to improve health and erase health disparities.

Read the report here.