State Policy Capacity

Public health laws affect health not only through their substance and design but also through implementation and enforcement. Equitable policymaking requires implementation that respects and works for everyone, with careful attention to the steps of the policy process that follow policy enactment, including enforcement, evaluation, and revision — all of which are necessary to ensure that public health laws have their intended effect. State and local officials working in a range of agencies — from public health to fair employment, housing, consumer protection, government law offices, and more — play a significant role in the implementation and enforcement of public health laws.  More

Many high schools in Wake County, North Carolina, are situated in economically vulnerable areas, so there is also a correlation between the density of outlets and Wake County’s most vulnerable areas. These areas are often populated by low-income families and communities of color. The saturation of vape shops in low-income areas not only perpetuates a cycle of poor health outcomes but also highlights the systemic inequities present in the availability and marketing of harmful substances. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensuring all communities benefit from progress in reducing teen vaping rates.   More

Abstract  Health care is increasingly unaffordable in the United States. While comprehensive, affordable health coverage for middle- and… More