Healthcare spending in the United States reached $2.3 trillion in 2007 and is projected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2016. In an effort to stem rising healthcare costs, every ten years the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion identifies health promotion, disease prevention objectives, referred to collectively as Healthy People.

Every ten years Healthy People objectives are reevaluated and new and revised objectives are released. The process for identifying Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) objectives has begun. The basic framework for HP2020 including vision, mission, goals, and selection criteria is scheduled to be released in 2009. Specific objectives, as well as strategies for achieving the objectives, will not be released until January 2010.

If you would like to lend your voice to the HP2020 discussion, HRSA has provided numerous opportunities for public input. In addition, the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is spearheading an effort to raise awareness of the role of breastfeeding as a primary strategy for health promotion and disease prevention—a strategy that currently impacts one out of every ten HP2010 objectives.

HRSA is conducting a series of regional meetings in an effort to secure public input on the HP2010 framework. Representatives of USBC member organizations and state breastfeeding coalitions have attended or are planning to attend a regional meeting. Individuals who are unable to attend, can submit written comments through Developing HP2020. Comments are currently be accepted on the HP2020 framework only. Input into the HP2020 objectives will be solicited at a later date.

For more information visit Developing HP2020. If you would like to track the progress of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020—the Committee responsible for coordinating the effort—you can access Committee meetings via WebEx. A second meeting will be held on May 1, 2008 from 4 to 6 PM. Advance registration is required. There will be audio access only and no opportunity for public comment.

Face-to-face meetings of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020 will be held on June 5-6 and September 4-5, 2008. Both meetings will be open to the public and will provide opportunity for public comment.

It is essential that as many individuals and organizations as possible put forward comments. A final meeting will take place in Bethesda, Maryland on May 28, 2008 in an effort to gain input from national organizations and other interested stakeholders.

Breastfeeding plays a key role in the health of the nation and its importance needs to be clearly communicated to HP2020 decision makers. So attention all parents and healthcare professionals! This is your chance to stand up and be counted—For the Health of It!