Giving Compass' Take:

• A new national survey finds that Americans across political lines, geography, gender, race, income, and education all think that investing in public health is an important issue in the country today.  

• Public health covers an array of issues. Where should funders focus their attention?

•  Read about catalytic philanthropy for public health. 

While the public's focus is on the pending transition in Congress, 2019 will bring significant changes at the state level that can have a major impact on Americans' daily lives, including the health of their communities.

For state and local leaders who want to pursue a bipartisan agenda, including the 20 new governors who will take office in 2019, a new national survey shows that investing in public health is not only smart policy but also good politics.

In a rare level of consensus across political affiliation, geography, gender, race, income and education, 89 percent of Americans said they believe that public health departments play an important role in the health of their communities.

Voters placed a particular emphasis on stopping the spread of communicable diseases, bringing other government agencies together in emergencies, protecting environmental quality and supporting child and maternal health.

This consensus of support offers policymakers a rare opportunity to get ahead of spiraling health care costs by addressing problems before they become crises. As newly elected leaders take office in 2019, these survey results should embolden them to use the most powerful tool at their disposal to improve lives and communities. Policies that promote community health in areas like clean air, affordable housing, food safety, and reasonable tobacco and alcohol controls can help people live longer, better lives.

The important work of state and local governmental public health departments not only helps to keep people healthy, but also protects against threats that people may not even be aware of. Even with today's political divisions, it is clear that Americans value these services. By supporting and expanding public health services, policymakers have the opportunity to garner political goodwill and dramatically improve our nation's health and well-being.

Read the full article about Americans value public health by Brian C. Castrucci at Governing magazine