UC LogoHRA

Policy

It takes more than good personal choices to create healthy communities. That is why Health Research for Action works with many partners to promote policies that improve health and positively shape the communities in which we live.

Through our studies and convenings, we analyze policy-level constraints and solutions to significant public health problems. Among the issues we are tackling are:

  • Communication and literacy barriers to understanding and using health care
  • Disparities in health status and access among populations
  • Health risks of aging and caregiving
  • Toxic hazards in our communities
  • Health risks caused by poor diet, inactivity, and the built environment

We share our findings through the Perspectives series and other publications. In addition, we meet with policymakers and organize stakeholder summits, helping our clients promote needed policy changes.

Toxic Hazards

People who fish for subsistence are at a disproportionate risk of accumulating toxic chemicals, such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that are contaminating California’s bays, lakes, rivers, and coast.