This health policy course will focus on developing healthy communities and the emerging changes in the public health system rooted in the Affordable Care Act and the National Prevention Strategy 2011. Social and environmental factors have influence on our individual health behaviors and the overall health of people in our communities. We will examine predictors of health that fall outside the health care setting.  And explore comprehensive federal, tribal, state, and local initiatives that are moving us from a health care system based on sick care to one focused on wellness and prevention.  We will explore public health evidence-based practice, developing research, and policies used to improve overall health of communities through multi-sector partnerships using a policy, environment, and systems change approach.