| Summary: | The health of Americans is not as good as it could be and is worse than the health of populations of other wealthy nations. America's lower health status, referred to as the U.S. health disadvantage, inflicts costs on individuals, families, businesses, and society. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 exposed additional costs as the virus claimed more lives among those with certain underlying conditions--such as obesity and diabetes that are found in greater proportion among Americans than among residents of many other wealthy countries--and disrupted the economy to such a grave extent that access to healthcare coverage was diminished, as millions of individuals lost employer-sponsored health insurance, and preventive services were interrupted. For businesses, the U.S. health disadvantage increases healthcare costs, lowers productivity and competitiveness, and compromises business success and growth. This report strives to convince business leaders of the importance of community health to the bottom lines of businesses and to the health of the economy. The report (a) highlights the U.S. health disadvantage and the importance of strengthening communities and improving the health of residents, and (b) offers recommendations for how businesses can address the U.S. health disadvantage by engaging with and investing in communities, while creating value, lowering business costs, and improving the health of employees and other stakeholders. Given the power of business in American society, efforts to improve community health and recover and then extend economic prosperity will be insufficient without actions by business leaders
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