HD5 - Coordinating Preventive Health, Education and Social Programs
Executive Summary: The Governor's Task Force on Coordinating Preventive Health, Education, and Social Programs was directed by Senate Joint Resolution Number 36 to develop recommendations on how best to coordinate prevention efforts and maximize the benefits to be obtained from prevention programs throughout the Commonwealth. The Task Force, under the direction of the Secretary of Human Resources, Eva S. Teig, was composed of the Commissioners of the Department of Health, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and Social Services; the Directors of the Departments of Corrections, Children, Criminal Justice Services, Aging, and Medical Assistance; as well as the Superintendents of Public Instruction and Correctional Education. The following discussion will highlight the findings and recommendations of the Governor's Task Force. Definition of Prevention The Task Force focused on the promotion of the health, well-being and independence of the citizens of the Commonwealth. In this spirit, they defined prevention as: The process of creating or changing conditions to promote the well-being of people through activities implemented before the occurrence of harmful or negative circumstances. Findings The Task Force maintains that Virginia's citizens face many persistent health, education, and social problems that can be prevented. Prevention activities give people the necessary skills, knowledge, and support which enable them to function in as independent and healthy a manner as possible. As a result of the provision of prevention services, many persistent problems can be reduced or ultimately eliminated. After hearing presentations from a variety of local, state, and private sector prevention providers, it became evident that effective prevention programs involve a broad spectrum of individuals and families, voluntary agencies, religious organizations, businesses, and governments working together collaboratively. Effective prevention programs also rely on strategic planning, interagency cooperation, and adequate collective public/private sector resources. Finally, prevention programs have been evaluated and deemed effective. From a social perspective, prevention can reduce socially destructive behavior, as well as enhance productive lifestyles. From an economic perspective, prevention measures are sound investments when compared with the extensive costs of treatment and rehabilitation. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on its research and formal discussions, the Task Force recommends establishment of a framework comprised of five essential elements in order to promote and maximize the strength and coordination of prevention in Virginia. Specifically, the Task Force calls for: * the enactment of a prevention policy in the Code of Virginia, * the formation of a prevention Council composed of representatives of the public and private sector with its authority promulgated in the Code of Virginia, * the development of a Comprehensive Prevention Plan, * the identification of individual agency and/or board responsibilities with respect to prevention, and * the implementation of a planning process analysis of prevention programs at the agency, executive, and legislative levels. The Task Force believes that these recommendations offer the Commonwealth the opportunity to clearly state its commitment to the promotion of the health and well-being of all Virginians. In order to be effective adequate resources for the implementation of these recommendations is a necessity. With these elements firmly in place, Virginia will truly have the opportunity to come to the national forefront in the field of prevention. |
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