From its beginning, the foundation has engaged in the public policy process toward supporting sound health policies and the advocacy efforts of community agencies. This work is guided by the foundation’s Community Policy & Engagement Committee, which is comprised of health care professionals, scholars, lobbyists and government officials. The Committee’s goals are threefold:
- Serve policymakers and the public by providing reliable, accessible information on timely health policies;
- Advocate for improved health policies at the local, state and federal levels; and
- Support the development of area nonprofits to advocate.
Through community forums and meetings, the foundation serves as a catalyst to foster dialogue, collaboration and understanding among diverse health leaders, and we strive to be an honest broker in adopting approaches that are inclusive, transparent and candid.
Legislative Advocacy
The Partnership for Better Health’s advocacy efforts illustrate our dedication to being a responsible participant in the development of health policies. By electing the 501(h) option under the Internal Revenue Code, we are permitted to have an active voice in the policy process, and we carefully track and report our allowable spending related to legislative advocacy.
Through the Community Policy & Engagement Committee, our staff, board and volunteers maintain regular contact with elected officials and other government representatives. The foundation also develops policy position papers on pressing health issues. Each paper is data-driven and based on current research, emerging national recommendations and the foundation’s own studies and taskforce recommendations.
Visit the following links to our current policy position statements:
Raise the Minimum Wage to Improve Health
Economic Policy is Health Policy
Healthy Food for a Healthy Pennsylvania
Treatment & Recovery Support for a Healthy PA
Mental Health and Well-Being for a Healthy PA
Funding Availability
Policy advocacy and systems change work are powerful tools in addressing the root issues of poor health. At the Partnership, we seek to build the capacity of local organizations to advocate for policy improvements. Frontline health and human service professionals are experts in understanding the barriers people face to living healthier lives. We encourage area nonprofits to share this expertise with local, state, and federal decision-makers.
Nonprofit organizations can engage in advocacy. For additional details regarding your organization’s right to advocate for a cause or policy, please visit Bolder Advocacy. If your organization would like to do more advocacy work and community organizing aligned with our policy position statements (see above), our grants may support community engagement and leadership development. Follow this link to our What We Fund page.