In recent decades, health promotion programs in the United States have substantially improved the health of residents. However, there is ongoing concern about health disparities, which occur most commonly in racial and ethnic minorities, people who do not have health insurance, and those who are poor and have less than a high school education. A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011a) emphasizes that there are considerable and persistent gaps between the healthiest and least healthy people. For example, many racial and ethnic groups have higher rates of the following conditions that are amenable to preventive interventions: obesity, diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, and cervical cancer. Another disparity in preventive services is the significantly lower rates of adult immunizations among non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics.
1. Obesity and unhealthy weight management
2. Opioid misuse and overdose prevention
3. Chronic kidney disease (non-diabetes related)
4. Long COVID and post-viral syndromes
5. Asthma management and environmental triggers
6. Chronic pain and safe pain-management strategies
7. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
8. Cancer prevention (choose one: breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, prostate)
9. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia prevention
10. Arthritis and mobility-related health promotion
Mental & Behavioral Health
1. Adolescent mental health and suicide prevention
2. Maternal mental health (postpartum depression, anxiety)
3. Substance use prevention (alcohol, vaping, cannabis misuse)
4. Eating disorders and body-image health promotion
5. Workplace burnout and stress-reduction strategies
6. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults