The Economic Impact of Public Health: Why Your Department’s Contribution Matters
- JoAnn Andrews
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, public health departments are being asked to do more with less. Recent news, such as the $190 million contract cancellation affecting Alabama health departments and significant layoffs across HHS, FDA, CDC, and NIH, highlights the need for strategic planning and financial accountability. With federal restructuring and the rise of fractional roles through entities like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now is the time for health departments to showcase their value.
Why Knowing Your Economic Impact Is Essential
Your health department is at the frontline of community wellness. But do you know the financial impact your initiatives are having? Understanding your Economic Impact of Public Health is essential to:
Justify Funding Requests: Prove your value when seeking grants or funding from state and federal sources.
Highlight ROI for Preventative Measures: The Blue Zones Project has shown that prevention-focused initiatives can reduce chronic disease rates, significantly lowering healthcare costs over time.
Respond to Accountability Pressures: As departments face budget cuts and layoffs, demonstrating your value through measurable outcomes becomes more critical.
The 80/20 Rule: Prevention vs. Acute Care
Studies consistently show that 20% of the population accounts for 80% of healthcare costs. This imbalance is largely due to preventable chronic conditions that can be mitigated through effective public health interventions. Prioritizing preventative measures over acute care not only saves lives but also reduces the economic burden on communities.
Ascendant Healthcare Partners Can Help
At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we offer two powerful tools to help you demonstrate your department’s economic impact:
Community Cost Analysis: If you have a current Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) or Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) completed within the last three years, this analysis will help you understand the financial implications of your work.
Economic Impact Analysis: For departments without recent CHNA/CHIP documentation, our Economic Impact Analysis offers a comprehensive view of your contributions to the community.
Why This Matters Now
With recent initiatives like the $3 million Anti-Racism in Healthcare program, the pressure to demonstrate value through measurable outcomes is only increasing. Health departments must pivot from qualitative to quantitative metrics to prove their worth and secure future funding.
Additionally, the rise of fractional roles through entities like DOGE highlights the increasing preference for specialized expertise on short-term projects. This trend presents an opportunity for health departments to engage with experts like Ascendant Healthcare Partners to bridge gaps in knowledge and amplify their impact.
Your public health department plays a pivotal role in your community’s well-being. Demonstrating your economic impact is no longer optional; it’s essential. With Ascendant Healthcare Partners’ Community Cost Analysis and Economic Impact Analysis, you can confidently advocate for your department’s value, navigate restructuring pressures, and secure the funding you deserve.
Learn more about how Ascendant Healthcare Partners can help your health department prove its impact today.
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