The Movement

The founding members of the Alliance to Make US Healthiest (hereafter referred to as “the Alliance”) understand that health is the key to not only physical, emotional and intellectual well-being but also to economic strength and national security. Alliance members are committed to making health and well-being a priority in industry and government, but also for individuals, families, and communities.

The Alliance’s scope of interest extends beyond healthcare to a commitment to health equity and understanding the many factors that shape an individual’s opportunity for well-being (including access to education, housing, transportation, food, and prosperity). Alliance members understand that well-being includes both individual actions and governmental and organizational decisions that create the conditions in which all Americans can be well.

The Alliance is a non-partisan organization that facilitates partnerships between national and grassroots efforts, fosters innovative actions, and connects individuals to spark a nationwide social movement to make the U.S. the healthiest nation in a healthier world.

Although the United States currently spends a greater proportion of its gross domestic product than any other nation on healthcare (roughly 16%), it ranks 37th in overall health system performance as defined and measured by the World Health Organization. Preventable chronic conditions (including cancer, heart diseases, pulmonary conditions, diabetes, and mental illness) account for more than 70 percent of all deaths nationwide, and 75 percent of all health care costs.

Throughout the nation, streets and sidewalks are unsafe for recreation. Public transport is inadequate. Safe, fresh, and wholesome food is not readily available to all residents. Current carbon footprints are unsustainable over time. Safe and healthy housing is not universally accessible. This can be changed.

Members of the Alliance believe the U.S. can become the healthiest nation in a healthier world.

Achieving this goal requires a wide range of collective action across sectors. The Alliance will facilitate that action, engaging diverse perspectives from organizations and individuals to create a network of people, ideas, policies, and programs to:

Create a social movement to improve the nation’s health and well-being

Activate multi-sector thought leadership to create and lead the transformation

Disseminate high-impact interventions including tools, best practices, and policies

Facilitate signature initiatives to increase public awareness and create collective action

Celebrate successes through recognition and awards for outstanding contributions

At present, members who join the Alliance are asked to:

1. Speak out – support the need for America to become the Healthiest Nation and improve the value of America’s health investments
2. Walk your talk – take at least one specific action to improve health and model positive health behavior or support actions in homes, communities, organizations, schools, or jurisdictions
3. Share your success – join the Healthiest Nation community, help others learn about your efforts and impact they have, and encourage them to do the same
4. If able, contribute in-kind or financial resources to advance specific Alliance activities

Only with committed effort and dedication by individuals, organizations, communities and others, can the U.S. become the healthiest nation in a healthier world. The past has taught that Americans working together can stimulate much-needed change. That change is now needed to improve the physical, emotional, intellectual, and economic well-being of the nation. As President Obama stated, “If we want to overcome our economic challenges, we must also address our healthcare challenges.”

The vision of the Alliance is “To make the United States the healthiest nation in a healthier world.” In such a system:

· Healthier options and policies are the “default choice” for all people

· Health and well-being promotion is understood as a strategic economic imperative for nations and businesses

· Health and well-being are valued as personal, community, national, and international responsibilities and assets

· Health and well-being considerations, including health equity, are integrated into societal policies across sectors and at all levels

· People have the information they need to make better decisions about how best to impact their personal health and well-being

· People feel confident that the health system operates in their best interest to promote their health and well-being and provides effective and affordable