Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health.  Their focus is broad-ranging, covering everything from childhood obesity, emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism.  Since 2002, they have published an annual report that assesses the government’s readiness to deal with these various health threats. On December 9^th, they released their 6^th annual report titled Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism.

The committee found the current economic downturn has had a negative impact on public health funding.  33 States are projected to have budget shortfalls in 2009 that will likely reduce funding in the areas of research and prevention of public health issues.  The TFAH recommends restoring funding to at least the 2005 levels when adjusted for inflation.

Other recommendations include:

1. Identifying and clarifying the roles of various federal and state agencies to avoid competition and unnecessary overlap
2. Enhancing capabilities for dealing with catastrophic events
3. Modernizing technology and equipment to aid in communication of public health threats and the ultimate resolution of the same.

TFAH doesn’t just report on the problems, but offers solutions as well. Whether or not the Federal Government implements any of them remains to be seen.