Putting the public in public health: new approaches.

Improving health in the twenty-first century means adopting a new approach that engages the public, the business community, and public policymakers more than in the past. This approach depends on a well-informed public that practices individual wellness, values community health, and advocates achieving both. It requires a business community that views public health as an essential component of a healthy business climate and productive workforce. It also requires informed policymakers who agree that an investment in public health has important community benefit. Public health professionals must effectively engage these three groups if the public health system is to be transformed.