Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel has co-authored a new book discussing how various societal systems impact health outcomes.
The book, titled “Systems That Impact Population Health: Past and Present,” examines how laws, education, work, housing, healthcare, and more have historically influenced health outcomes. A group of 40 experts contributed to the work through the National Academy of Medicine’s Culture of Health Program, where Villarruel chairs the Program Advisory Committee.
The book focuses on seven different population groups and analyzes health through the lens of systems throughout time.
“To achieve health for everyone everywhere, we must look upstream to the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and age,” Villarruel said to Penn Nursing. “This book is a roadmap that outlines the changes and policies necessary to allow every person the opportunity to live a healthy life.”
Villarruel and her co-authors examined research, lived experiences, and legislation to provide clear policy recommendations on how to improve health outcomes by rectifying structural disparities.
“Systems That Impact Population Health: Past and Present” is a result of a multi-year collaborative effort from the National Academy of Medicine's Culture of Health Program, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The organization works to identify strategies for creating and sustaining conditions that support equitable good health for all Americans.
Villarruel has previously authored “Hispanic Voices: Progreso, Poder, y Promesa,” which focuses on Hispanic healthcare education. She formerly served as president of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nursing Associations as well as the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
In September 2021, Villarruel received the Health Care Leader Award from the American Academy of Nursing in recognition of her impact in shaping health policy.
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On Nov. 5, Penn President Larry Jameson and Provost John Jackson Jr. announced they will formally recommend Villarruel’s tenure to be extended through June 30, 2028. The email announcement to the Nursing School community followed the conclusion of a semester-long review.
