PUBLIC HEALTH
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development . Because health happens at all ages and stages , these health outcomes are also arranged in the order of the life course , from infancy through old age .
We ’ ve also carefully researched and included specific recommendations for evidence-based best practices to improve health . Best practices are science-based interventions , including policy changes that have led to better population health outcomes when applied in other localities . These best practices have been assembled from comprehensive research programs which have assessed and evaluated many policies and programs . In many cases , these interventions have also been found to be cost-effective for communities .
Some of the sources of the best practices recommended in Louisville Metro Health Equity Report 2017 included the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings and Roadmaps : What Works for Health , CDC HI-5 Interventions ,), CDC 6 | 18 Initiative , the City Health Guide , and the Community Guide .
Here are some of the recommendations of the 2017 Health Equity Report that health care providers may want to learn more about and advocate for :
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Increase the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21 in Kentucky . insurance cover screenings and preventive oral health care services .
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Mandate vaccinations for Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIs ) such as HPV and hepatitis B .
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Maintain access to free and reduced cost birth control such as long acting reversible contraceptives ( LARCs ), as is currently mandated under the Affordable Care Act .
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Continue to require health insurance plans to include mental health benefits and coverage in all policies .
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Institute permit-to-purchase laws that require individuals purchasing a firearm to first apply for a permit , decreasing immediate access to lethal means of suicide .
I invite you to take a good look at the Louisville Metro Health Equity Report 2017 as you work to improve the health outcomes of your patients . You can find it online at www . HealthEquityReport . com . We would also be happy to join you and your staff to give you a presentation and deeper dive into the report . Contact us at 502- 574-6616 or email us at healthequity @ louisvilleky . gov .
Dr . Sarah Moyer is the director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Mayor Fischer ’ s Chief Health Strategist . She is also an assistant professor at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences .
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Increase the tax on tobacco products to reduce demand and consumption and prevent youth from starting . Currently , the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow , led by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky , is leading an effort to have Kentucky lawmakers increase our cigarette tax , one of the lowest in the country , by one dollar to at least $ 1.60 per pack . Other localities have seen their rates of smoking substantially decrease , especially among teenagers , when their cigarette tax was increased .
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Limit the number of locations able to advertise and sell tobacco products within 1,000 yards of a school .
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Limit the density of liquor stores to prevent over-concentration in certain neighborhoods .
»» Implement a state-level earned income tax credit .
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Strengthen local enforcement capabilities for homes determined to have lead hazards , making homeowners , including landlords , accountable for removing home lead hazards .
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Ensure that Medicaid , Medicare and private health insurances cover lead screenings , environmental testing and treatment .
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Maintain and enforce mandatory oral health screenings and referrals for children entering school , with follow-up treatment when necessary .
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Continue to ensure that Medicaid , Medicare and private health 10 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE