ATLANTA, March 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN), www.aaohn.org, has released its comprehensive 2009 Public Policy Platform comprised of four priority areas -- Health Care System Transition, Public Health and Environments, Health and Safety and Professional Practice. This national policy agenda reflects the important role of occupational health nurses (OHNs) in the current economic climate and addresses the changes facing today's healthcare system. As licensed healthcare professionals who have both health expertise and business knowledge, OHNs enhance the health of workers and reduce healthcare costs while improving global business competitiveness.
With a constantly changing healthcare landscape and 134.5 million Americans spending 1/3 of their day at work, companies that provide OHN-administered worker health and productivity programs ultimately have lower healthcare costs and increased employee performance. Controlling these costs is crucial, not only for individual health, but also for the nation's economic health.
To lower overall healthcare costs, AAOHN recommends shifting the focus from the current disease model to preventive health care. Over 80 percent of healthcare dollars are spent on preventable conditions attributable to behavior and lifestyle choices. Chronic conditions-diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, etc. -- often result from poor lifestyle choices and behaviors. Chronic disease accounts for over 75 percent of the nation's $2 trillion annual healthcare expenditures. The U.S. spends more than any nation on healthcare, yet ranks 37th worldwide in key health indicators.
There are other critical issues at the forefront of AAOHN public policy. Their public and environmental health initiatives seek to improve public health and prevent disease and injury in the workplace and community. AAOHN health and safety practices emphasize the need for stronger health and safety standards and regulations and for higher levels of emergency preparedness in organizations and throughout communities." The platform also advocates increasing the number of nurses, which ultimately results in overall higher healthcare quality.
"AAOHN understands the great challenges facing companies and organizations in this difficult economy," says Richard Kowalski, RN, MSA, COHN-S and AAOHN president. "Our detailed public policy efforts seek to improve the health of Americans and the financial health of the companies they serve."
For more information on the 2009 AAOHN Public Policy Platform and how OHNs can make a positive impact on companies and their workers, visit www.aaohn.org.
AAOHN is a global organization with members who encompass the entire range of health and safety workers, worker populations and community groups.