Project overview
A national advocacy group dedicated to fighting chronic diseases sought to influence federal policy regarding the allocation of grant funding for community-based health programs. Specifically, they needed evidence to prove that funding certain preventative programs directly reduced long-term health system costs and addressed health inequities in vulnerable populations. They commissioned CoHealth to provide the necessary evidentiary support.
Methodology and Findings
To meet the high standard of evidence required for federal policy, CoHealth conducted a multi-year longitudinal study comparing outcomes between two cohorts: participants in the advocacy group's community programs versus a matched control group. We used quantitative survey tools to track lifestyle changes, access to healthy food, and self-reported disease indicators.
The results provided definitive proof of impact:
- Program participants showed an average reduction in high-risk indicators (e.g., blood sugar levels) that was three times greater than the control group.
- The data demonstrated a clear, positive health impact for underserved ethnic and socioeconomic groups, directly addressing the health equity mandate.
- Our cost analysis projected a $4 ROI for every $1 invested in the community prevention programs due to reduced emergency care utilization.
Outcome and Impact
Armed with the CoHealth longitudinal data, the advocacy group successfully petitioned key congressional committees. The findings were directly cited in the supporting documentation for a significant public health act, influencing the criteria for how federal agencies now distribute grants for community-based prevention initiatives. CoHealth's research became the foundational evidence driving the organization's policy platform.