Last week President Obama released his budget for fiscal year 2013.  As political pundits and congressmen critique this proposal, we find ourselves questioning the role of government.  How much should it spend on social programs?  When should it let the private sector take the lead on national initiatives?

It is easy to harp on the inefficiencies of government given its massive size and involvement in so many of our daily activities.  Inefficiencies become particularly bothersome during times of economic hardship, like the present.  No one wants these inefficiencies to threaten their job security and the future of their children. 

At a time like this, I want to point out an example of government involvement that is smart and worthwhile.  And with this being the month of February, or American Heart Month, there is no better time to talk about the government’s Million Hearts initiative. 

Launched in September 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Million Hearts aims to coordinate government and private-sector efforts to prevent heart attacks and strokes.  Cardiovascular disease is worth addressing because in 2010 it cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity.

There are several things I particularly like about this initiative.  First, the program has specific goals, which are the “ABCS”- Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation.  Million Hearts has specific targets it is hoping to reach by 2017 for each goal.

The second thing I like about this initiative is its plan to use both community-based and clinical prevention efforts.  HHS wants to empower Americans to make healthy choices regarding their diet, as well as assist clinicians provide and coordinate care through health information technology.

Third, I like the incorporation of prior legislative and government efforts.  HHS is not trying to organize its own version of a Heart Walk from scratch.  Million Hearts will encourage people to utilize the no cost preventative services that the Affordable Care Act outlines.  CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey will collect information on sodium consumption.  HRSA will require all community centers to report annually on the ‘ABCS’ measures.

Last, but not least, Million Hearts has partnered with private sector organizations to help meet the demands of this endeavor.  The American Heart Association is providing online heart health management tools (Heart 360 and My Life Check).  America’s Health Insurance Plans is working with its members, like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, to align their community and beneficiary initiatives with Million Hearts. 

Personally, I am excited to see the Million Hearts initiative unfold in the coming years.  And as we try to figure out the government’s role in our society through presidential and congressional elections this fall, do not forget to look at the positives and also consider these words by former Vice President Hubert Humphrey:

It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.