I’m always grateful when NACDD has the opportunity to bring together our Members and partners. We’ve had a growing number of in-person convenings in recent weeks and are energized by what these moments of connection make possible. In a time of change and transition across public health, these meetings create space to strengthen partnerships and build momentum to turn learning into action.

The spirit of coming together feels especially meaningful this month as we recognize Pride Month and Juneteenth. These observances remind us that connection, belonging, and shared purpose are powerful forces for positive change. Meaningful progress is built through community and the inclusion of diverse voices. When we invite people to bring their full perspectives and experiences to the table, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and the needs of the community, which helps us develop more effective solutions to improve health and well-being for all. We aspire to create spaces where all our Members and partners feel welcomed, valued, and heard. 

Rural Health Thought Leader Roundtable and BOLD Learning Action Institute 

I felt incredibly inspired during the Rural Health Thought Leader Roundtable we convened in Rapid City, SD in late May. A thoughtful group of Chronic Disease Directors, CDC partners, leaders from national organizations, and public health experts dedicated two days to the question: What innovative approaches have the greatest potential to transform rural chronic disease outcomes? Through focused dialogue and shared problem-solving, we identified opportunities to strengthen partnerships, improve access, and advance healthier futures in rural communities. We’ll share our thoughts with you in an upcoming report.  

That same week, NACDD hosted the Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure (BOLD) Learning Action Institute in Atlanta, GA. BOLD recipients and subject matter experts from across the country met to strengthen community-clinical linkages that support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Together, teams translated priorities into practical action plans, exchanged lessons learned, and built stronger foundations for long-term success.  

(This Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, I encourage you to check out tools on NACDD’s Healthy Aging, Healthy Brain site including a resource hub, risk reduction rack cards, and more to help you integrate brain health messaging into existing chronic disease programs.) 

Diabetes-Focused Meetings  

Our diabetes team has hosted a series of meetings designed to expand prevention, improve access, and strengthen systems of care. 

In April, the Regional Diabetes Summit convened employers, National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) organizations, health plans, brokers, and public health leaders in Wilmington, DE. Together, participants began shaping a regional strategy to expand employer coverage and increase enrollment in evidence-based diabetes prevention and management programs—an important step toward improving workforce health and long-term outcomes. 

In early June, Bright Spot Initiative participants gathered in Montana to accelerate enrollment in diabetes prevention and management programs through stronger community-clinical partnerships and practical implementation strategies.

Later this month, the Native Diabetes Prevention Network (NDPN), in partnership with Maven Collective Consulting, will host the Tribal Umbrella Hub Arrangement (UHA) Gathering in Portland, OR, to strengthen diabetes prevention efforts in Indian Country. Through NDPN, NACDD continues to support Tribal UHAs as they expand access to culturally responsive diabetes prevention and management approaches that address the disproportionate burden of diabetes among American Indian and Alaska Native communities. 

Walkability Action Institutes in Iowa and Tennessee  

The Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Walkability Action Institute (WAI) in Ames, IA, brought interdisciplinary teams together to explore walkability through audits, mapping activities, and collaborative planning aimed at improving safety, access, and health outcomes. Later this month, Tennessee’s WAI will focus on advancing active transportation and physical activity opportunities—particularly in rural communities where safe places to walk and bike can be limited.

Chronic Disease Academy in September 

Across all of these meetings, one thing remains clear: progress happens when people gather—in-person or virtually—with shared purpose.  

That spirit of connection and fellowship is what I always look forward to at NACDD’s Chronic Disease Academy (this year to be held virtually September 15-17). We’re already energized and inspired by the ideas emerging from submitted abstracts. We can’t wait to see and share with you those presentations from our Members about the incredible work happening across states and territories. We hope you’ll join us. (Learn more and register at chronicdisease.org/cda.) 

Thank you for the expertise, partnership, and energy you bring to this work every day. We are excited about what we’re building together, and hopeful for what comes next.