The webinar “Activity Advocates: NCPPA” was hosted by the National Physical Activity Society in partnership with the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) and is a bit different than many of their other webinars. While usually focusing on small policy changes to promote physical activity in our communities and worksites, this particular webinar was focused on federal policies that will impact physical activity at the national level.
The NCPPA is a group consisting of different associations, healthcare organizations, and private corporations that advocates for policies promoting physical activity. Currently, NCPPA is focusing on federal policies that are statutory and regulatory. To support such policies, members of NCPPA act as advocates in Washington. Representatives meet with members of Congress and other regulatory and federal partners, attend or lead legislative briefings about physical activity policy, and participate in lobbying efforts. The goal of the coalition is to keep members and partners informed of the work being done on physical activity policy at the federal level and advocate for key legislation regarding physical activity. In this way the coalition acts as a convener to help coordinate efforts across multiple groups.
The webinar focused on several key issues the NCPPA is currently engaged in. The first effort is related to physical education in schools. Recently, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was passed, which replaced the former No Child Left Behind Act. Under ESSA, physical education is designated as part of a well-rounded curriculum. This is vastly different than previous legislation which focused on devoting more time to “core subjects” such as math and science, often at the expense of PE. This policy will also make PE available for funding through the Title I mechanism which is aimed at providing resources for schools with economically disadvantaged students. NCPPA’s second initiative is related to the CDC’s newest framework, Active People, Healthy Nation. This framework aims to unify the different aspects of work being done at CDC to promote physical activity (surveillance of physical activity levels, media campaigns to promote the benefits of activity, etc). As part of this initiative, NCPPA will be the leading body advocating for funding to reach the goal of saving lives and protecting health by helping 25 million Americans become more physically active.
The final major initiative being led by NCPPA is the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This policy would expand the IRS tax-related definition of “medical expenses” to include “qualified sports and fitness expenses.” This would mean that individuals could use pre-tax funds, such as those in a health savings account, to pay for gym memberships, youth sport fees, and other costs related to participating in physical activity. Personally, I was extremely excited to hear this and think it will be a great tool in promoting physical activity.
In summary, the NCPPA plays a vital role in advocating for federal policies that promote physical activity in all sectors of society. Their achievements to date indicate that the future for physical activity on Capitol Hill is bright!