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National Health Policy Expert Gail Christopher of Kellogg Foundation

to Keynote 14^th Annual Bost Health Policy Forum

Intersection of Health and the Economy to be Focus of Sept. 19 Lexington Gathering

LOUISVILLE, Ky (July 11, 2016) Dr. Gail Christopher of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will keynote the 14^thannual Howard L. Bost Health Policy Forum, which will focus on health as an economic driver. The annual health policy forum is fully underwritten by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to enable broad community participation.  It will be held this year at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“As a nationally recognized author and thought leader in health policy, Dr. Christopher has deep expertise to share regarding the social factors that influence health, health inequities and public policies that impact our communities’ health and prosperity,” said Susan Zepeda, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Health Kentucky. “She will be joined by more than a dozen other recognized experts who will explore ways in which health policy and economic policy can work together to foster growth and resiliency in Kentucky communities.”

Three-Pronged Focus:

Speakers and roundtable discussions will explore three facets of making health a focus of economic development and growth: 1) the health care sector’s ability to lift local communities as employers and purchasers; 2) reducing health system costs so savings can be re-invested into other much-needed sectors; and 3) the relationship between a healthy population and a robust economy. Each track will highlight innovative examples of the interplay between health and the economy in creating thriving communities.

Morning Session TED-style Speakers:

• Dr. Adewale Troutman, Director of Public Health Leadership and Practice at the University of South Florida, past president of the American Public Health Association and former director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, will discuss how a strong economy is good for community health and vice versa.
• Dr. Robert Eckardt, Executive Vice President of The Cleveland Foundation and known for his leadership regarding accountability and impact in grantmaking, will discuss the health care sector’s role in building the local economy, creating a diverse workforce and promoting community health.
• AJ Scheitler, from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research where she coordinates the National Network of State and Local Health Surveys, will discuss strategies for reducing health care system costs while maintaining or improving quality of care.

Breakout Sessions:  These speakers will be joined at afternoon breakout sessions by health and economic policy experts, health advocates and community health providers, including Elizabeth Cobb of the Kentucky Hospital Association; David Cooke, Grow Appalachia; Randa Deaton, Kentuckiana Health Collaborative; Ellen Hahn, Center for Smoke-free Policy; Michael Karpf, UK Health Affairs;  Glen Mays, UK College of Public Health; former Kentucky Health  Policy Director Emily Parento; Doran Schrantz, ISAIAH (a Minnesota faith-based coalition focused on healthy communities); and Bill Wagner, Family Health Centers.

A full agenda with speaker bios will be available on the Foundation’s website shortly. There is no cost to attend the Bost Forum, but advance registration is required and no-shows are charged a fee.