The Best New Health Policy eBooks To Read In 2025

The Mississippi Delta consistently ranks as having some of the worst health outcomes in the United States. Even with this stark reality, researcher David K. Jones (1981–2021) found “ripples of hope.” For four years, Jones turned to residents and local leaders to learn firsthand the intricate connections between race, place, and health in the region. Using an innovative mix of photovoice, policy, and social science research, Jones weaves their insights with data analysis to show how local, state, and national policies and structures, whether or not intentional, constrain or expand daily choices that affect health.

Blaming individuals for poor health choices isn’t the remedy. Jones describes how a community-led, goal-oriented approach to creating health equity policies is needed and that everyone benefits when we ensure that all people can pursue a healthy, fulfilling life. In this compassionate and practical book, Jones provides a roadmap for anyone who would like to make a difference, wherever they live. Jones calls on his readers to act for change and provides examples from the Delta to show how. He reminds us that small steps―"ripples of hope”―can save lives and improve health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for robust health advocacy and dynamic social policy. As we progress, healthcare professionals and organizations must leverage the lessons learned and the tools developed to drive meaningful change. This toolkit serves as a guide to navigating this complex landscape, ensuring that advocacy efforts are impactful and policies effectively promote health and well-being. The Toolkit was also created to make transitioning into the role of Health Advocacy and Social Policy Chairperson easier and to bring uniformity to work reports and understanding.

The bottom line is for us all is to work Smarter, not Harder.

Written by a well-respected health and public policy expert, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the under-appreciated role of public health policy in the United States’ medical care industry. The book offers students:. • an introduction to the fundamentals of health policy, with comparative perspectives from other countries;. • analysis of major health care programmes, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and regulatory programs;. • reflections on issues around access, quality, cost, and the ethics of provision.

By drawing comparisons between the US and other countries, it deepens our understanding of health policy in the US, where it is headed next, and what it might learn from other systems.