The focus on the upstream drivers of public health is unique among public health books. While recognizing that individual health is substantially influenced by age, gender, genetics, and other personal attributes, as well as by individual lifestyle decisions, social and community networks, the book focuses on broader upstream factors. These include policies and actions influencing design, land use, education, transportation, energy, housing, infrastructure and decisions by government officials at all levels, businesses and, more recently, decisions by not-for-profits. Such decisions have consequences that impact the health of us all, as well as that of select (particularly high-risk) individuals.
By evaluating New Jersey's progress towards improved population health,
From Cancer Clusters and COVID-19 to a Healthier New Jersey notes how progress has been slowed and accelerated by events and policies that are beyond the control of any single individual. For example, it recognizes that the Garden State has been the scene of some terrible health-related events, yet it has also come up with some of the best solutions to public health challenges and important innovations. Finally, it argues that employing
Health in All Policies will allow the state to aggressively and fearlessly push down the road toward a healthier New Jersey.
