At a time when communities face growing challenges, it is vital to have strong, visible public health action to support healthier lives and brighter futures. That spirit of action is reflected in the work NACDD Members and partners are advancing together, particularly in efforts to close gaps in access to care and improve health outcomes across communities.

As we recognize National Minority Health Month, it serves as a timely reminder of the critical role public health plays in addressing differences in access to care through data-driven strategies, community partnerships, and culturally responsive approaches that meet people where they are. This month highlights both the work ahead and the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all communities have the chance to achieve optimal health.

One project we are honored to be a part of is CDC-funded Supporting Young Breast Cancer Survivors, Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients, and Their Families, which utilizes a structured approach to enhance psychosocial and educational support for young breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer patients in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The project engages collaborative partnerships, outreach, patient and healthcare provider education, and resource dissemination to reduce health gaps. I encourage you to explore a resource library and community launched by TOUCH, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance (BBCA) as part of the project.

This month, I’m also excited to share NACDD’s participation in Project Remission, a digital film series exploring how evidence-based lifestyle medicine is being used to treat, reverse, and prevent chronic disease. In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, CPESN Pharmacy Solutions, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, this effort represents a meaningful step forward in elevating lifestyle medicine as both a clinical approach and a systems-level solution for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

Designed to engage clinicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and partners across the healthcare ecosystem, Project Remission is building national momentum around evidence-based lifestyle interventions. We encourage you to be part of this movement by sharing with your colleagues and communities. View NACDD’s videos on our series page.

Finally, registration is now open for NACDD’s 2026 Virtual Chronic Disease Academy, taking place September 15–17. The Academy is an opportunity for our Members and partners to engage, connect, and learn how we can innovate and take action together. The virtual event will include interactive workshops, networking sessions, discussion forums, and poster presentations. This opportunity remains free for chronic disease program staff at State and Territorial Health Departments, ensuring accessibility for those leading this work every day. 

You can learn more about NACDD’s other professional development opportunities and discover new ways to make the most of your NACDD membership by reading our 2026 Member Guide. The guide is designed to help you access the tools and resources that support your work through our core functions—building policy leadership, convening on emerging issues, connecting Members to each other, and connecting Members to timely, trusted information. 

As always, NACDD is honored to support your work. Your willingness to take action every day is what ensures public health continues to protect, support, and strengthen communities across the nation.