CONTACT: Paige Rohe, prohe@chronicdisease.org
ATLANTA (March 22, 2018) – The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) has published its annual collection of Appropriations Fact Sheets as well as a new white paper on several federally funded, categorical chronic disease programs.
“We know that many of the leading causes of illness, disability, and death in the United States are chronic diseases, and that most of our healthcare dollars are used to treat these conditions rather than to prevent them in the first place,” said John W. Robitscher, MPH, CEO of the Association. “As we look to make government more fiscally responsible and effective, we must remember that an ounce of prevention of chronic diseases may be worth a pound of cure,” he said.
The fact sheets include an overview of a program’s activities, evidence of program success, historic funding, as well as recommendations for FY 2019 requests. To further support advocacy for chronic disease prevention and control, this year’s fact sheet collection is augmented by the white paper “Chronic Disease Prevention: For Dollars and Sense,” detailing specific opportunities to reduce overall health care costs and improve health and military readiness among the public.
The white paper’s author, Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee Dr. David Hoffman notes that 86 percent of all of the nation’s healthcare costs are related to chronic diseases, many of which are preventable. Dr. Hoffman identifies several evidence-based opportunities for prevention among the leading drivers of chronic disease costs: diabetes, heart disease and stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Chronic diseases are one of the most important and direct factors in the high cost of healthcare in the United States, and their prevention can significantly level the playing field so that all Americans can contribute productively to their communities,” said Dr. Hoffman.
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors uses these fact sheets to garner legislative support specifically for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and for state and territorial health departments working on these issues. The Association is the only professional organization representing every state and territory’s health workers in their efforts to fight chronic disease.
Download and view the fact sheets:
· Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
· Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
· Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
· Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
· Healthy Schools, Healthy Youth
· Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
· Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant
NACDD encourages its members to share the FY2019 Appropriations Fact Sheets and the “Chronic Disease Prevention: For Dollars and Sense” white paper through social media (@NACDDInfo and Facebook.com/ChronicDiseaseDirectors) and with their stakeholders to help demonstrate the value and significance of chronic disease prevention, treatment, and control within their own communities.
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The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
Promoting Health. Preventing Disease.The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and its more than 6,500 members seek to strengthen state-based leadership and expertise for chronic disease prevention and control in states and nationally. Established in 1988, in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NACDD is the only membership association of its kind to serve and represent every chronic disease division in all states and U.S. territories. For more information, visit chronicdisease.org.