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.Paid family leave
Provide employees with paid time off for circumstances such as a recent birth or adoption, a parent or spouse with a serious medical condition, or a sick child
Automated speed enforcement cameras
Use devices such as speed cameras, laser devices, radar, etc. to enforce speed limits; devices can be permanent fixtures or be used manually by law enforcement officers
Car seat distribution & education programs
Provide parents with car seats free of charge, via loan or low cost rental, often with education about proper installation and use
Certificates of employability
Issue certificates of employability to individuals with criminal convictions who have met pre-specified standards of rehabilitation; also called certificates of relief, reentry, good conduct, rehabilitation, recovery, etc.
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Action Center
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Health Rankings
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Ready to take action, but not sure where to start?