A national survey of health promotion activities in health systems agencies

This paper reports the results of a national survey of the involvement of health systems agencies (HSAs) in health promotion. Responses were received from 72% of the 203 agencies surveyed, representing all DHEW regions. Survey data include information on resource allocations within the agencies for staff activities related to remedial health care services and facilities, prevention, and health promotion. More than 90% of the responding agencies reported planning activities for health promotion, and more than one-half of these agencies were actively working to develop health promotion programs in their areas. An index of involvement of health promotion was used in this assessment. The results reveal substantial involvement in health promotion on the part of HSAs. It is suggested that HSAs may be attempting to address at the local level a major deficiency in our health care system which has not received adequate attention, namely the provision of services and programs to enhance health.