Greetings, we will use the February call to discuss how current public health surveillance systems can be leveraged to show impact of investments in health care.

I will start the conversation focused on primary care. Several states have legislative efforts to increase primary care spending, but what does this mean and how can public health contribute to evaluating these types of investments?

Here are questions I would like everyone to think about before the call. I provided some examples related to each question to help spur discussions:

•Currently, what public health data and surveillance systems capture health outcomes tied to access to primary care? (please refer to the January presentation for a definition of primary care) - ED visits for ambulatory sensitive conditions, influenza hospitalizations, maternal mortality

•What conditions (chronic, injury, acute) will be most affected by increases in primary care spending or access? - prevention of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease

• What population subgroups would benefit the most by increases in access to primary care providers? - low income, no insurance

•How can state and local health departments present public health data in a way that shows how primary care spending impacts public health?

•What resources can PHHC put together to help highlight impacts of changes to primary care spending?

I would like to highlight other health care initiatives states are trying to implement (e.g., controlling pharmacy costs) to dive into other public health data and systems. Could I get at least two other volunteers to bring examples to Thursday, February 13th call?