About the Activity and Health Policy Network

The Activity and Health Policy Network (AHPN) is an organizational partnership devoted to advancing public policy on physical activity and reducing physical inactivity. AHPN grew out of a groundbreaking policy conference convened by the American College of Sports Medicine in Washington, D.C. in April 2006. Representatives from more than 40 organizations articulated a call to action, citing six key policy initiatives. Already noted for its success in influencing policy, the Network continues to implement advocacy and communication strategies at federal, state and local levels.

Driving the efforts of AHPN are six key goals:

1. National Guidelines for Physical Activity, to be regularly developed, updated and promoted
2. A National Program of Educational and Behavioral Change concerning physical activity and inactivity, similar to the highly successful national program on cholesterol education
3. A National Plan for Physical Activity, bringing a broad range of organizations together under federal auspices to implement strategies for increasing physical activity
4. Federal Emphasis on Biomedical Science reflecting a strong priority on promoting active lifestyles and reducing sedentarism
5. Health Care Goals at State and Federal Levels that address health promotion and disease prevention, based on science and medicine and integrated into health care at all levels
6. Strategies Focusing on Key Populations and Settings such as Youth, Older Adults, and Racial/Ethnic Minorities, Schools, Communities, Worksites, and Healthcare Settings

Russell Pate, Ph.D., FACSM, chaired the Policy Roundtable and serves as chair of the AHPN. 

Documents for Download

Executive Summary From Original ACSM Scientific Roundtable

This event brought together a roundtable of national leaders dedicated to improving the public's health. The summary "focuses on the powerful potential of lifestyle and behavior changes, stimulated and supported by policy measures." The 'Call to Action' focused on six key steps that would move policy iniatives into changing the future landscape of improving health and health care in the United States. 

ACSM's Activity & Health Policy Network News

• Issue 5
• Issue 4 
• Issue 3 
• Issue 2 
• Issue 1 

Advocacy Resources

Click here to view policy resources from non-profit organizations, federal, state, and local government Web sites. Click here to check on your individual state legislation.

Contact Information

Please refer back to this site (www.acsm.org/policynet) for updated information regarding federal, state and local legislation. Should you have any questions or comments please contact ACSM at policy@acsm.org.

Advocacy Program

This program is developed to support a healthier, more fit America by calling for appropriate policies in schools, communities and states.

An advocacy message from the Health & Science Policy Committee

Sure you may be physically active, but are you politically active in the Key Contacts Network?  Join your colleagues and communicate health policy initiatives in your area that support ACSM's strategic priorities.

ACSM members can have a powerful voice in the policy dialogue and involvement takes very little time, but can make a big difference.

Simply click here and scroll to the bottom under the "Stay Informed" column to sign up to receive Action Alerts. Action Alerts will be e-mailed to you about important legislative issues that you can pass along to your respective Senators and Representative.