HPIO forum to explore importance of evidence in politically polarized environment

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio is hosting a forum Oct. 26 titled “Politics, perceptions and the role of evidence in an uncertain world.”

Given the exceptionally partisan political climate and skepticism toward information that doesn't adhere to particular points of view, it is difficult for policymakers to evaluate the evidence needed to implement effective health policy. And with a new administration signaling that states will have greater opportunity to take the lead on policy decisions, it becomes even more critical that state leaders have access to reliable data and analysis.

This forum will explore the importance of evidence-based decision making, particularly at the state level, and how policymakers can overcome opposition to evidence that challenges pre-conceived partisan ideology.

The keynote speaker at the forum is Ron Haskins, a Senior Fellow and the Cabot Family Chair in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution.