For four decades, VicHealth - the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation - has been a cornerstone in bolstering the health and well-being of Victorians through its independent and community-driven initiatives. Created to pioneer new solutions and foster a healthier population, VicHealth stands as a global example of innovative health promotion.

Recent proposals to absorb it into the broader Department of Health threaten the ethos and efficacy of its operations, and the health gains Victorians have come to rely on.

What we are asking the Premier to do:

• Abandon plans to absorb VicHealth into the Department of Health.
• Keep VicHealth as a stand‑alone, independent, fully funded health promotion agency to provide advice, support community-based work, and lead policy development and research.
• Guarantee long‑term, stable investment in prevention and health promotion to reduce preventable illness and ease pressure on our health system.

WHY? Our Case:

VicHealth's unique ability to address public health challenges with tailored community responses is irreplaceable. It’s their independent structure that allows VicHealth to focus on pressing health issues without being hindered by broader bureaucratic processes.

From tackling smoking rates, supporting active communities and stronger food systems, to promoting social connection and mental health, VicHealth's proactive strategies have always been intimately aligned with the needs of local communities, and benefited communities experiencing disadvantage. Absorbing VicHealth risks widening health inequities at a time they are increasing.

What's more, the health and wellbeing promoting activities of VicHealth help reduce demands on our health system. Empirical evidence underscores VicHealth’s success. For instance, the adult smoking rate in Victoria fell from 21.2% in 2006 to 15.7% in 2014 due to VicHealth’s targeted intervention programs. Without this focused approach, such significant achievements might not have been possible.

If VicHealth is absorbed into the Department of Health, there is a real risk that its innovative edge and its responsive, long-term projects will be diluted. 

The voices of the communities that VicHealth serves must not be lost in a large bureaucracy. We need VicHealth to retain its independence to continue developing locally-driven health strategies that work.

In Short:

• Independence matters: VicHealth operates beyond electoral cycles and can take long‑term, evidence‑based action.
• Community impact: Its grants and partnerships reach local organisations, councils and schools across Victoria.
• Global leadership: Other jurisdictions look to Victoria for guidance because VicHealth has a proven track record of innovation and impact.
• Prevention saves lives and money: Now is the time to scale up prevention, not dismantle the institutions that deliver it.

Join us in preserving VicHealth's independence and ensuring that Victorians continue to benefit from its dedicated, innovative approach to public health. 

Sign this petition to show your support and tell the Premier: keep VicHealth independent and guarantee investment in health promotion and prevention. 

Share widely - our families, schools and communities depend on it.

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