As a physician who has treated patients in the emergency department before and after the Affordable Care Act was instituted, I have seen firsthand how it has transformed the lives of many of my patients. And as the health commissioner for Baltimore city, I have seen how it has safeguarded the lives of more than 40,000 residents in my city, and millions more around the country, who would otherwise be uninsured.
Created in 2010, this is the first federal funding source dedicated to public health. It directly empowers communities to prevent chronic conditions and helps local jurisdictions be more agile in responding to health crises while reducing long-term health costs.
More specifically, these funds are used to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that are major causes of death in the United States. The fund also provides support for cities to prevent disease outbreaks, ensuring that our nation is prepared to face developing threats such as bioterrorism and Ebola and other infectious diseases.
Through the ACA, the Prevention and Public Health Fund accounts for nearly one-seventh of the budget for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — approximately $1 billion a year.
Read the entire op-ed by Dr. Wen.
