Healthy People 2010

What is Healthy People 2010?

Healthy People 2010 is a comprehensive set of national health goals for the 21st century focused on prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HP 2010 is “designed to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and establish national goals to reduce these threats.” Specifically, HP 2010 is designed to (1) increase life expectancy and improve quality of life; and (2) eliminate health disparities among different segments of the population. It focuses on health behaviors, the environment, and access to quality health care because these form the foundation of healthy living and are things that people can do something about.

Many states have tailored the Healthy People 2010 to the specific needs of their states, and some have developed Healthy Child Objectives as well.

How do we know if we are making progress?

Progress in reaching national health goals is measured using 10 leading health indicators. These indicators reflect national consensus on what are the critical public health issues for the country, what can be measured and what can used to stimulate action at the national, state and local levels.

Healthy People 2010 and Children

Healthy People 2010 contains 28 subject or focus areas, 17 of which are related to children and adolescents. You can review a list and get more information on child-related national health goals.

Why are Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Important for Children?

• Youth represent the country’s most valuable asset. They are, quite literally, our future.
• Health conditions developed during childhood and childhood health status often track to adulthood. If disease and disorders can be corrected or mitigated during childhood, children will grow into healthier adults.
• Many conditions are preventable and/or manageable. Early identification and intervention can reduce costs to families and the health care system in general; it can save time and reduce anxiety for parents.
• Prevention has been demonstrated to be effective in many areas, including asthma and unintentional injuries.
• It makes sense and it is the right thing to do.

Who created Healthy People 2010 and how is it used?

Healthy People 2010 was developed through a consensus process involving a wide range of individuals and public and private sector organizations, policymakers, health care professionals, scientists, and consumers from across the country. It represents a shared vision for health and acknowledges a shared responsibility for improving health and quality of life. Healthy People 2010 is used at all levels of government and by communities, health organizations, and policy-makers to measure, compare, and improve health status and health outcomes.

Companion Documents Using Healthy People 2010 Objectives

Healthy People 2010 has also developed information for specific populations and issues, including people with disabilities, a companion document for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health, a companion document for rural health, reproductive health, and a source book for employers and small businesses. To access this information, visit: Healthy People 2010 Companion Web Sites and Documents.

actforhealth@yahoo.com, Tel: 202.828.1235, Fax: 202.857.9799

ACT for Health, Adolescent and Child Targets for Health Foundation, Inc., is an educational and charitable non-profit, non-governmental organization, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.