Too often, prevention is treated as optional—a budget line item to reconsider rather than reinforce. But as public health professionals committed to addressing chronic disease, we understand that prevention isn’t just a cost—it’s one of the smartest, most effective investments we can make—for our health, for our families, and for the future of our communities.

Preventing chronic diseases means more than reducing medical expenses—it means giving people the opportunity to live fuller, healthier lives. It’s about helping children stay in school, supporting adults to remain active and productive at work, and empowering older adults to maintain independence and quality of life for longer.

June is National Men’s Health Month, which serves as a timely reminder that men are often less likely to seek preventive care, and yet more likely to die from heart disease and cancer. On average, men die nearly six years earlier than women. Encouraging men to prioritize their health through routine screenings, mental health support, and chronic disease management leads to better outcomes in homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods across the country.

As we also recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month this June, it’s clear that prevention strategies are also brain health strategies. There is growing evidence that the choices we make throughout life can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. Many of the same interventions that benefit physical health also promote brain health. It’s another powerful example of how chronic disease prevention can improve not just length of life, but quality of life.

• Check out NACDD’s healthy aging resources at chronicdisease.org/healthy-aging, including Integrating Alzheimer’s Messages into Chronic Disease Programs Guide, developed in partnership with CDC to promote the inclusion of brain health messages into chronic risk reduction programs and how these behaviors can reduce the risk for cognitive decline.

We must continue building public health systems that make support such as physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease management, and social connection accessible and sustainable across the lifespan. One of the most effective ways to support both physical and brain health is to create communities that make movement easy and accessible for everyone. That’s why I was especially energized to speak at NACDD’s most recent Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Walkability Action Institute (WAI) held in Alaska, where we joined with local and state leaders to advance this goal—making physical activity a natural and safe part of daily life.

Another great tool for prevention is the HALT (Health and Lifestyle Training) platform. Through education, innovation, and local partnerships, HALT helps individuals build sustainable healthy habits that prevent obesity and manage chronic conditions. It provides low-cost, accessible tools that help people improve their health… especially in communities with limited access to care. Learn more at https://haltchronicdisease.org.

As public health leaders, we must continue to push for sustained investment in prevention and workforce development. Let’s keep advocating for the education, tools, and support that our professionals need to protect and promote health. Prevention is not a line item to cut when budgets get tight. It’s a high-yield investment in our collective future.

Thank you for all that you do. Let’s keep moving forward—together.