Health programs aim to promote healthy behaviors and decrease disease by changing laws, systems and environments. They may also include communication strategies to raise awareness about a specific topic. For example, an employee wellness program may focus on promoting better eating habits or encouraging smoking cessation. These programs reduce the amount of money individuals, families, employers, medical facilities, communities and states spend on healthcare.
The federal government is responsible for a number of healthcare and social services programs. These are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Programs like TANF, Head Start and child care help low-income families, while HHS initiatives like the flu vaccine, food safety, and HIV prevention help individuals stay healthy. HHS agencies also support research that helps people live longer, stronger lives while maintaining and improving their quality of life.
A community health worker is a frontline professional that focuses on improving healthcare and social service availability for residents of a particular area or target population. These professionals often work in rural or urban settings where access to traditional private and public healthcare is limited.
Many community health workers engage in advocacy, which entails working with local politicians and organizations to advocate for healthcare policies that address the needs of their target populations. They also conduct research and data collection to inform healthcare policy. These professionals are vital in creating sustainable and long-term community-based solutions to improve health.
These initiatives may include creating community health centers to provide healthcare to underserved populations, or they may focus on addressing the root causes of poverty in a specific area. In these efforts, the goal is to promote self-sufficiency and build a foundation of social capital for a specific group of individuals or an entire community.
Some community health programs are designed to combat a specific issue, such as drug abuse or violence. Examples of these include addiction recovery programs, mental health programs and programs that prevent and respond to gun violence. These programs are often targeted at a specific population, such as young men in high-risk areas.
A healthcare management program is a tool that helps individuals and their families navigate the complexities of the modern healthcare system. These programs can help individuals keep their healthcare-related documents organized, share information with their healthcare providers, and learn about chronic condition management best practices.
Patient Better is a health management platform that makes it easier for patients and their caregivers to manage their healthcare-related documents, track their health progress, and stay informed. This helps them take control of their health and achieve a higher quality of life.