During these tough economic times, we at IPHA understand difficult choices need to be made.  However, cutting funding for critical prevention programs does not save the state money in the long run.  Billions more dollars will be spent on costly health care expenses tomorrow if we cut prevention programs today.  Health prevention services and programs operated by the community public health system is an important factor in producing a healthy Illinois and the most effective use of state dollars.  As the Legislature work to craft a FY 2011 State Budget, we ask IPHA members to urge their Legislators to make prevention a priority this year and help us move towards developing a healthier Illinois.