Presidential reflections. Past and future

Key federal health initiatives and psychology's participation in public policy are briefly reviewed. There has long been agreement that psychologists have a responsibility to affirmatively address society's pressing needs, not only in health care but in other areas that affect the well being of society. The behavioral sciences are key to the United States' science and health policy in the 21st century. The unanswered question is, Has the field matured sufficiently to establish its own programmatic agenda via the public policy process? Community health, lifestyle choices, psychologically managed pharmacological treatment, and the use of telecommunications technology in education and treatment are areas in which psychology can contribute a great deal to the development of a healthier society.