Health programs address a wide range of issues, from disease management to education and prevention. They are often targeted at specific populations in the context of a larger community, region or nation. Several factors influence the scale and scope of any particular health program, including financial and human resources, cultural norms and beliefs about health care and wellness, existing disease burdens and threats to public health, available technologies, health care systems capacity, behavioral change, political will and other environmental influences.
A health program may focus on a single issue, such as the need to improve dietary habits or increase physical activity levels. It might also aim to reduce or eliminate health-related disparities between different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic or gender groups. In these types of programs, the key to success lies in establishing a balance between ideal and realistic goals. Compelling data and evidence for action, broad coalitions, effective communication and a clear case for action are vital elements. Providing real-life examples of individuals harmed by a lack of action or benefitted by specific programs can help to generate and sustain the political commitment necessary for successful program implementation.
The purpose of a health promotion program is to reduce the costs (financial and human) that would otherwise be spent on medical treatment by focusing on prevention. This approach reduces the burden on individuals, employers, families, insurance companies, medical facilities, communities and the state and national budgets. It also reduces the risk of future disease, disability and death.
Individuals can be a significant resource for promoting health and well-being, but they must have access to quality education and information. Health promotion programs provide this access and are often run by organizations such as schools, businesses, churches and hospitals.
Many health programs are designed to target particular diseases or issues, such as AIDS and diabetes. Others are more general in nature, addressing multiple health concerns. These types of health programs are often referred to as “public health,” although there are differences between this and traditional healthcare delivery systems.
A program such as Patient Better is aimed at reducing the burden of managing chronic diseases on patients and their caregivers by offering tools for improving communications between specialists, facilitating patient self-care and eliminating barriers to healthcare access. By combining educational workshops with online resources, the goal is to help people become more active participants in their own care.
Workplace health programs help promote a healthy lifestyle for employees by encouraging them to make positive dietary and exercise choices. These can include a company-wide smoking cessation initiative, providing healthier snacks and beverages in the breakroom or hosting fitness competitions. The benefits of these initiatives can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing and productivity.