To engage or not engage: the choice confronting nurses and other health professionals -- Health status and access to care -- Physicians -- Nurses -- Allied and other health professionals -- Hospitals: the power of institutional interests -- Long-term care -- Mental and behavioral health: clinical and policy impact on mental health trends -- Public health policy: promotion, prevention, and protection -- Healthcare costs: follow the money! -- The history of health insurance in the United States -- Advancing the use of technology in the organization and delivery of healthcare -- Healthcare quality -- Health services research -- Conclusions: a policy toolkit for healthcare providers and activists.