DHSS Press Release

PREVENTING PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS HAS A HIGH RETURN ON INVESTMENT

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (April 7-13, 2014)
FOR DAY 5 – APRIL 11, 2014

DOVER, DE (April 11, 2014) – The United States’ health care costs rose ten-fold from 1980 to 2010 and will continue to rise, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA). Investing $10 per person each year in proven, community-based health efforts could save the nation more than $16 billion within five years. National Public Health Week is April 7-13, 2014.

“Investing in preventing disease and other health problems has an impressively high return on investment,” said Rita Landgraf, Secretary, Department of Health and Social Services. “For children and young adults to have bright, healthy and safe futures, we must champion strategic investments that prevent devastating and costly health problems such as obesity, injuries, diabetes, cancer, and barriers to services.”

Added Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health Director, “If Americans begin maintaining healthier weights and obesity rates decrease by 5 percent, the nation could save $29.8 billion in five years, $158.1 billion in 10 years and $611.7 billion in 20 years, according to an analysis conducted by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Micro Health Simulations.”

The APHA provides more examples of high returns on public health investments on its website and in its video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B5M9JefYxJI#t=22)

• The rate of return on investment in clean water technologies in the first half of the 20th century is 23 to one. Every $1 invested in fluoridated drinking water saves $40 in dental care costs.
• By 2020, the direct benefits of the federal Clean Air Act will reach almost $2 trillion, much more than the $65 billion implementation cost. About 85 percent of the $2 trillion is attributable to decreases in premature death and illness related to air pollution.
• For every $1 spent on tobacco prevention programs, the return on investment is approximately $10.00. For every $1 spent on tobacco cessation programs, the return on investment is $1.26. In one year, the U.S. could save $711 million on smoking cessation alone.
• Childhood immunizations save $9.9 million in direct health care costs and save 33,000 lives and prevent 14 million cases of disease every year.
• Every $1 invested in child care seats has a $42 return on avoided medical costs. Seat belts save 13,000 lives in the U.S. each year. Smoke detectors, gun locks and bike helmets also protect individuals from injuries and death.
• Every $1 invested in walking and biking opportunities can return benefits up to $11.80.
• For every $1 spent in food and nutrition education, there is a $10 return in reduced health care costs.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit www.nphw.org.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and communities. For nearly 20 years, APHA has served as the organizer of NPHW. Learn more at www.apha.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.