Communities across the country have implemented policies and programs listed in What Works for Health to tackle key health challenges. Learn more about their experiences putting these strategies into action.
What Works for Health
Evidence matters. Our What Works for Health tool will help you find policies and programs that are a good fit for your community's priorities.
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Make the Most of What Works for Health
Learn how you can effectively use What Works for Health to find evidence-informed policies and programs to make a difference in your community and explore what's behind our evidence ratings.
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What Works for Health Reports
Read our reports for deeper looks into what's working for specific topics and areas of the country.
What Works? Social and Economic Opportunities to Improve Health for All
When we work together to improve education, employment, income, and family and social supports—the social and economic factors that influence our communities—we can improve the health of all who live, learn, work, and play there.
What Works for Health: Strategies to Improve Rural Health
The What Works for Health: Strategies to Improve Rural Health report outlines key steps toward building healthy communities – rural, urban, and anywhere in between – along with some specific policies and programs that can improve health.
Featured Strategies
These strategies can help your community in its health improvement journey.Dram shop liability laws
Hold alcohol retailers legally responsible for injuries or damage caused by providing alcohol to intoxicated or underage customers; also called commercial host liability laws
Mental Health First Aid
Provide an 8 or 12 hour training to educate laypeople about how to assist individuals with mental health problems or at risk for problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders
Firearm restrictions for domestic violence offenders
Prohibit firearm purchase or possession by individuals convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or by individuals subject to a final restraining order
Medical-legal partnerships
Integrate legal services into health care settings to address legal issues that affect health (e.g., housing, food, utilities); services provided by private practice lawyers, law students, etc.
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Action Center
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Partner Center
Identify the right partners and explore tips to engage them.
Health Rankings
Find out how healthy your community is.
Community Coaching
Ready to take action, but not sure where to start?