John,

Living in the United States shouldn't be the equivalent of a pre-existing medical condition.

But today, multiple public health crises are limiting the potential of millions of Americans -- and ending the lives of far too many, far to early. That has caused a drop in life expectancy greater than any decline we’ve seen in the last 100 years -- and the U.S. now ranks 40th in the world for longevity.

There are solutions to all these challenges. Last week in Philadelphia, we brought together public health leaders and policymakers with practitioners, advocates, and others at the Bloomberg American Health Summit, where they shared innovative approaches and creative interventions that can make a real difference.

A report released at the Summit -- "Reversing the Decline: 10 Ideas to Improve Life Expectancy" -- shares some of the most powerful opportunities to help people live longer, healthier lives.

"The idea of 'American exceptionalism' -- that the United States is inherently different from other nations -- is often debated in political circles," wrote Mike in a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed about the Summit and the report. "But in public health circles, it's not controversial at all."

The Bloomberg American Health Initiative was formed in 2016 to take on five major public health challenges that are causing high levels of harm and premature death in the United States: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence. The Initiative has also set out to train a new generation of leaders committed to improving health in America -- and now has 269 Bloomberg Fellows.

The annual Summit was full of insights on tackling these urgent public health crises. You can watch highlights, or click on any of the sessions below to learn more:

Welcome remarks from Bloomberg American Health Initiative Director Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein and Associate Director Michelle Spencer | Remarks from Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels | Remarks from Mike Bloomberg | Keynote Address: The Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor-Elect of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Violence: Reducing Gun Violence, Policy and Prevention | Panel Discussion: Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Advancing Equity in Public Health: In Conversation with Dr. Mary T. Bassett, New York State Commissioner of Health

Keynote Address: The Honorable Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico, introduced by Bloomberg Philathropies CEO Patti Harris | Remarks from Dr. Ellen J. MacKenzie, Dean, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, introduced by Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program Lead Dr. Kelly Henning

Addiction and Overdose: Raising the Standard of Care, Justice, and Equity | In Conversation: Effective Treatment in Jails and Prisons | Panel Discussion: Innovations in Harm Reduction

Adolescent Health: Investing in Opportunity Youth | Keynote Address: Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, Health Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health | Panel Discussion: Youth Suicide Risk in Latinx Communities

Remarks from Michael A. Nutter, Former Mayor, City of Philadelphia | In Conversation: The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Public Health | Keynote Address: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky

Obesity & The Food System: The Connection Between Food Policy, Equity, and Health | Panel Discussion: Operation Good Food & Beverages Project

Environmental Challenges: The Pursuit of Environmental Justice | In Conversation with Q&A: Climate Change & Environmental Justice

Closing remarks from Bloomberg American Health Initiative Director Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein and Associate Director Michelle Spencer | Finale: Declaration of Interdependence

Learn more about the public health crises driving the decline in life expectancy -- and hear 10 of the best ideas for helping Americans live longer, healthier lives:

https://americanhealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/website-media/resources/LifeExpec_Report.pdf

Thanks,

Bloomberg Philanthropies