Special Projects
Advocacy Group Uses Local Data To Influence Statewide Policy
 chieving
policy change through statewide advocacy is no easy feat. But one public health
organization is showing advocates that a little detailed information goes a long
way.
  Armed with public health data specific to each legislative district, the
California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA) is forging relationships
between local community advocates and legislators to improve nutritional
standards and develop policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity
habits. By analyzing data on public health issues such as childhood overweight
and physical fitness levels by legislative district, CCPHA is creating an avenue
in which grassroots advocates can inform and educate state policymakers on key
public health concerns.
In January 2001, TCWF awarded CCPHA a two-year, $200,000 grant to increase
its advocacy capacity at the state level. Founded in 1999, CCPHA’s mission is to
raise awareness about public health issues and mobilize communities to support
effective health policy. With its TCWF grant, CCPHA is developing fundraising
plans and a communications strategy to enhance its nutrition and fitness
advocacy work.
“Organizations like CCPHA play a crucial role in bridging the gap between
public health experts, grassroots community activists and policymakers,” said
Ruth Holton, TCWF director of public policy. “They are an integral force in
informing public policy that promotes healthier lifestyles for all
Californians.”
In the past two years, CCPHA has made significant strides in developing state
and local legislation that addresses the root causes of unhealthy lifestyles.
The organization sponsored SB 19, a landmark bill that established nutrition
standards for food and beverages sold in California elementary schools. The bill
was prompted by information that state Sen. Martha Escutia received from CCPHA’s
grassroots team in her district. Another major accomplishment has been a ban on
unhealthy beverages and junk food in all schools in the Los Angeles Unified
School District. CCPHA offered technical assistance to the school board member
who authored the resolution.
CCPHA Executive Director Harold Goldstein attributes a number of tactics to
the success of the organization’s advocacy efforts. Among them are providing
policymakers with data that are specific to their legislative district, using
streamlined educational materials with specific policy recommendations, adopting
skilled media advocacy practices, building relationships with policymakers,
training and supporting local activists, and involving youth in local advocacy
efforts.
“TCWF funding has helped the center become a leading advocate for nutrition
and physical activity policy reform,” Goldstein said. “California is now at the
forefront of the growing national movement to address the social and economic
conditions that
perpetuate unhealthy eating and physical activity habits, rather than treating
the epidemic solely as a matter of individual responsibility.”
With its grant, CCPHA has been able to open an office in Sacramento, which
has dramatically enhanced its visibility among advocates and policymakers
throughout the state. The grant has also allowed CCPHA to hire an experienced
assistant director, develop a website to give the public easy access to
materials, obtain a grant writer to increase its funding base, and become its
own fiscal agent.
Goldstein said that CCPHA has a goal of expanding its statewide network of
advocates to 2,500 next year and identifying one person in every legislative
district to be a liaison, which would dramatically increase its ability to
impact policy.
For more information, please visit
www.publichealthadvocacy.org.
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