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.Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Expand refundable earned income tax credits for low to moderate income working individuals and families
Mixed-use development
Support a combination of land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, recreational) in development initiatives, often through zoning regulations or Smart Growth initiatives
Adult vocational training
Support acquisition of job-specific skills through education, certification programs, or on-the-job training, often with personal development resources and other supports
Legal support for tenants in eviction proceedings
Provide legal representation for tenants with low incomes in eviction proceedings or offer limited legal assistance to prepare tenants to represent themselves in court
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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 Learning & Guidance
Ready to take action, but not sure where to start?