The current conversation about how to reform the nation’s health care system centers on the important task of finding ways to pay for and delivery high quality care that leads to improved outcomes and reduced costs. However, as much as 90 percent of what affects our health occurs outside of the physician’s office and hospital. Factors that significantly influence health and well-being include social and economic factors, health behaviors and physical environments in addition to human biology and clinical care.
The NGA Center works across divisions (Health, Education, and Human Services, Economic Development and Workforce) to support states efforts in developing cross-agency policy solutions to address determinants of health and well-being. For example, the NGA Center hosted a meeting in Seattle, WA in October 2015 to help states learn about implementing policies across agencies and strategies for sustaining that work.
