Inequity and the underlying causal factors that impact our population’s health and quality of life have long been at the forefront of NACDD’s work. There is a strong correlation between poor social determinants of health and the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.

The long-term consequences of systemic racism and structural disadvantage on the built environment and opportunities for wealth have prevented people of color from having equitable access to safe and affordable food, housing, economic opportunity, quality healthcare, and transportation. Moreover, emerging research indicates exposure to trauma resulting from racist violence and discrimination may increase the risk of chronic diseases.

It is imperative to confront the systemic barriers that prevent some people from achieving good health, so we can elevate overall health outcomes and cultivate a more equitable society.

In 2022, our Board of Directors and staff collectively developed new mission and vision statements, as well as a 5 year strategic map for the Association which reflects the commitment to racial equity, health equity, and social justice. The new mission and vision are:

Mission: NACDD improves the health of the public by strengthening state and national leadership and expertise for chronic disease prevention and control. NACDD promotes social justice and wellbeing so that communities can build healthier futures.

Vision: We envision a world where all people reach their full health potential, free from burdens of chronic disease.

In addition, NACDD established the Center for Justice in Public Health to ensure social justice becomes a cornerstone of public health and to embed equitable strategies in NACDD policy, practice, and partnerships. (Learn more on page 9).

Our focus on social justice represents a continuation of our years-long dialogue and commitment to address the social determinants of health. Throughout this annual report, you’ll see equity as a focus or consideration in many of our projects and programs.

We are leading the way in improving and understanding the impact of racism within public health organizations and building collaborations to create more equitable, anti-racist public health programing.

NACDD Board President Kristi Pier implemented the President’s Challenge for 2022, “Finding a Way Forward: Resilience Across the Socioecological Model,” to share ways Members can take action at the social, community, interpersonal, and individual level to promote resiliency in the face of challenges presented by systemic racism, health inequities, and the pandemic.  

Recognizing the trauma and inequities from the COVID-19 pandemic and other ongoing racially motivated events that occurred, the President’s Challenge also encouraged public health organizations and communities to work on healing through partnerships and actionable steps.

We are making progress, however, we recognize there is still much work to be done to address the inequities within systems and structures.

NACDD is committed to working to overcome these barriers to ensure a healthier future for everyone, and we are encouraged by the diligence of our public health heroes on the front lines of this work as we transform public health to improve equity and social justice.

-CEO John Robitscher, MPH

-FY22 Board President Kristi Pier, MHS, MCHES