From the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As the nation's health protection agency, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strives to protect Americans from infectious, environmental, and terrorist threats; to help people achieve the best quality of life at every stage of life; and to help people live long and productive lives. As America's Health: State Health Rankings points out, there have been notable improvements in the quality of health experienced in communities all across our nation. The dedication and innovation necessary to achieve these successes are commendable, particularly given the stresses currently experienced by our nation's public health infrastructure, and I applaud the United Health Foundation in making this valuable resource available.

It is important to note, however, that the Rankings also demonstrate that all of our states, no matter their successes, still have urgent challenges to confront in achieving optimal health for all of their residents. Disparities in health among American population groups and the escalating epidemic of obesity with its attendant consequences are but two of these urgent challenges.

Simply documenting shortfalls is not enough. Committed action will need to be taken if we are to do better. CDC supports the report's call to action and is committed to helping people take action to improve the health of their communities by providing tools and resources that are evidence-based, cross-cutting, and user-friendly. CDC's website, located at www.cdc.gov, is one of the tools that provides useful information on topics such as emerging biomedical and infectious disease threats, child health promotion, and obesity prevention and control. Another important tool with particular relevance to this report is the Guide to Community Preventive Services, which provides ready access to the best evidence on cost-effective interventions and policies that improve the health of communities. By accessing this guide at www.thecommunityguide.org, you will find actionable information to support community initiatives targeted at health challenges such as cancer, motor vehicle injury, tobacco control, and others.

As the Director of CDC, I know that we must all work together if we are to realize the health protection goals for our nation, our states, and our communities. This truly is a time for action, and I encourage each of you to consider the information in America’s Health: State Health Rankings as a stimulus and a foundation for informed initiatives that will result in the healthiest possible America.

Sincerely,

Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H.