Prevention Matters

The Robert Wood Johnson's Commission to Build a Healthier America was launched in February 2008 to find out why Americans aren’t as healthy as they could be and to suggest ways outside the health care system to improve health for everyone.

The commission is wrapping up its duties and closing its doors after two years in which it has issued two major, held regional field hearings, national events and more than 50 meetings with public and private sector leaders.

"This Commission was not the first time this country has addressed health disparities or the social determinants of health – but it’s the first time in a long time that we have been able to look at these issues squarely in the face and have hope," says RWJF President/CEO Risa Lavizza-Mourey.

"The Commission crystallized for all of us that health is more than health care. Health is where and how we live, learn, work and play," she says. "So, reaching beyond traditional health care communities is essential if we are going to make any headway in improving the health of all Americans."

Lavizza-Mourey further discusses the closing of the commission and the importance of its work in a recent podcast.