Along with longer days and warmer weather, March brings renewed energy to get outside, move more, and connect with our communities. It’s a fitting reminder of why programs like the Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Walkability Action Institute matter. We are incredibly proud of our past and upcoming partnerships with states working to create safer, more accessible places for physical activity across the nation. When sidewalks are safer, parks are welcoming, and activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations exist, healthier choices become easier choices. 

The same is true for making healthy food choices. This National Nutrition Month, we’re excited to announce the states selected to participate in the Multi-Location Young Child Nutrition Campaign—Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, and North Carolina. This campaign will amplify important messages for mothers and caregivers of young children experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, using resources from CDC’s State and Community Health Media Center—a valuable hub for ready-to-use, evidence-based health promotion materials. Helping families build healthy habits early in life is one of the strongest investments we can make in lifelong health and well-being. 

Investing in prevention also means ensuring people have access to lifesaving screenings that detect disease early, when treatment is most effective. As we focus on prevention and early action during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we are struck with the latest data from the American Cancer Society showing colorectal cancer rates are rising among those under 65. Colorectal cancer is now the most common cause of cancer-related death among people under 50 and remains the second leading cause of cancer death overall.  

Through several initiatives and programs, we are working alongside our Members and partners to support cancer prevention. NACDD’s Cancer Peer-to-Peer Learning Program connects public health professionals across the National Colorectal Cancer Control Program and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, creating opportunities to exchange strategies, address challenges, and scale effective practices. Through learning calls and webinars, participants explore implementation approaches, data and management strategies, and emerging innovations that help programs expand screening reach and completion. 

We also continue advancing evidence-based solutions such as the Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) programs, which allow eligible patients to complete colorectal cancer screening at home using test kits sent directly to them. These approaches have proven effective in increasing participation and reaching individuals who may face barriers to clinic-based testing. NACDD Members can utilize our self-paced Mailed FIT Online Course, developed with CDC and Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, to help design and implement an effective mailed FIT outreach program. 

Another significant way to increase screening rates is through community-led messaging that reflects local voices and lived experiences. In partnership with Tribal health leaders and organizations, NACDD developed culturally grounded messages tailored to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, where colorectal cancer rates remain disproportionately high. These nationally recognized resources highlight the impact of collaboration rooted in trust, cultural relevance, and community leadership. 

Across physical activity, nutrition, and cancer prevention, these efforts underscore what’s possible when partnerships, evidence-based strategies, and community leadership come together to make healthy choices accessible for all. 

Like the blooms of spring that signify hope and renewal, meaningful change grows through care, collaboration, and continued action. Let’s keep building momentum—knowing that every action taken today helps shape a healthier tomorrow. 

Warmly,
Jeanne