In the coming days, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider  H.R. 1217, a bill that would repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the Health Reform legislation).  The bill was approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee last week and is scheduled to be voted on by the House as early as TOMMOROW.  This bill  would significantly reduce the funding available to implement proven disease prevention programs -- programs that we know reduce the health and economic toll of tobacco use, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity.   This Prevention Fund  offers the greatest and perhaps only potential for expanded federal funding for state and community grants,  media campaigns, and other critical interventions. 

The resources from the Prevention Fund are critical to continued progress on tobacco and obesity, especially as CPPW and state funding for prevention initiatives run out or are cut due to budget constraints.  Members of Congress need to hear loud and clear that prevention is important to their constituents and that prevention not only saves lives but health care dollars.  If Congress is serious about budget issues, prevention is the last thing that should be cut. 

This is likely just one of many efforts that will be undertaken to kill funding for prevention efforts, so it is vitally important that your elected officials hear from you and others in tobacco control and public health.   

Here is a letter from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to every member of the U.S. House.   

But we need YOU to send a strong message with phone calls TODAY and early WEDNESDAY to as many House members as possible.  Please click on the link below to find your House member.  Pick up the phone and make that call NOW to urge them to vote against repeal of the Prevention Fund.  Save Prevention to Save Lives and Healthcare Dollars.