WASHINGTON, January 2, 2026 – Policy decisions-far beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics-are increasingly the most powerful determinants of health, a shift that’s prompting a renewed focus on “Health in All Policies.”
This approach recognizes that factors like housing, education, labor practices, transportation access, and even the criminal justice system profoundly impact well-being.
- In 2026, a greater emphasis will be placed on analyzing how policy choices directly affect health outcomes.
- The focus will expand beyond traditional healthcare policy to encompass sectors like housing, transportation, and climate.
- Research will prioritize understanding the mechanisms through which policies impact health equity and disparities.
- The goal is to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Health, it turns out, isn’t just about what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s shaped by the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play-and those conditions are largely dictated by policy. This isn’t a new idea,but a growing movement is pushing for a more systematic approach to considering health impacts across all areas of goverment.
Building on 2025’s Lessons
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A year marked by instability and widening inequities prompted a critical question: how did we arrive at this point? A consensus statement on Political Determinants of Health identified power structures,governance,and policy design as central drivers of health outcomes. That statement wasn’t an ending, but a launchpad for deeper examination.
Why “Health in All Policies” now?
This publication seeks contributions that explore the intersection of policy and health, moving beyond traditional health policy to examine the broader determinants of well-being. We are especially interested in work that addresses:
- Discussions of unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies.
- Case studies illustrating policy impacts on real communities.
- Methodological explorations of studying policy within health research.
If a policy influences risk, access, or outcomes, it’s considered relevant.
From Health Policy to Policy for Health
Traditional health policy frequently enough focuses on the healthcare system itself. “Health in All Policies” shifts the focus to health as the primary outcome.This is a crucial distinction. The largest gains in population health often come from non-medical decisions, while notable harms can result from policies that don’t consider health at all. Ignoring thes policies limits understanding and impact.
This approach treats policy as a health intervention, prompting critical questions: who benefits? Who bears the cost? Who decides? What evidence informed the choice? And what outcomes followed?
The Role of the Medical Care Section
Alignment-between research and reality, evidence and policy, and equity goals and actual outcomes-remains the central objective. This section plays a vital role by facilitating rapid responses to policy shifts, translating research into practical insights, and connecting scholarship to lived experiences. In a polarized climate, this role is more important than ever.
A Call for Contributions
Submissions are encouraged that seriously consider policy as a health determinant. While policy expertise isn’t required, clarity, evidence-based reasoning, and a focus on impact are essential. strong submissions will illuminate policy mechanisms, utilize data thoughtfully, acknowledge uncertainty, and address equity concerns. Researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community partners are all welcome to contribute.
Looking ahead
2026 will bring policy decisions with lasting consequences-some beneficial, others detrimental, and many with mixed effects. This publication will not shy away from analyzing these choices, contextualizing them, and examining their impact on affected communities. “Health in All Policies” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a duty.
The conversations ahead promise to be vital.
