Public health advocacy: Process and product

Objectives, In this article the author describes public health advocacy and proposes a conceptual framework Tor understanding how ii works. Methods. The proposed framework incorporates the image of an assembly line. The public health advocacy assembly line produces changes in societal reso urce allocation that are necessary for optimizing public health. The framew ork involves 3 main stages: information, strategy, and action. These stages are conceptually sequential but. in practice. simultaneous. The work at ea ch stage is continually adjusted according to circumstances at the other st ages. Results. The framework has practical implications: for example, public heal th advocacy teams need members with complementary skills in distinct roles. Potential applications are illustrated via two public health advocacy effo rts. Conclusions. The framework may be useful in assessing staffing and funding needs for public health advocacy endeavors, explaining common problems in t hese endeavors and suggesting solutions, and guiding decisions concerning e ffort allocation. Application of the framework to a variety of public healt h advocacy endeavors will clarify its strengths and weaknesses.