ATLANTA (July 12, 2024) – The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) has issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer John W. Robitscher, MPH on the FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill:

“NACDD is deeply concerned by the unprecedented level of funding cuts proposed in the current FY25 House Labor-HHS appropriations bill. Specifically, these cuts threaten the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) ability to serve as our nation’s lead health promotion and disease prevention agency. Adequate funding for CDC and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) is critical, especially for six in ten Americans currently living with at least one chronic disease.

As the only organization representing over 7,000 State Health Department chronic disease prevention and control professionals in every state and territory, NACDD expresses grave concern about the elimination of the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG). The PHHSBG is the only truly flexible funding source allowing 50 states, two American Indian tribes, five U.S. territories, and three freely associated states to use innovative methods to address emerging health issues and fill critical gaps at the state and community level by focusing on their specific needs to address the unique challenges they face. Without this funding, most states will be unable to provide vital chronic disease prevention and health promotion programs to the individuals who need them most.

NACDD is also concerned about the proposal to eliminate funding for CDC’s Tobacco and School Health Programs. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in adults in the U.S. CDC’s Tobacco Program provides over $88 million to all 50 states, five U.S. territories, three freely associated states, and several tribal grantees, who rely on this funding to prevent youth from initiating tobacco use, ensure smoke-free environments, and help tobacco users quit.

Cutting funding for the CDC’s School Health Program would end CDC’s unique role in improving the health of America’s youth by preventing chronic disease and promoting the health and well-being of children and adolescents in schools. Each school day is an opportunity for the nation’s 55 million students to be in a healthy learning environment and practice lifelong healthy habits. The academic success of America’s youth is strongly linked with their health, and scientific reviews have documented that school health programs can positively affect educational outcomes.

NACDD understands difficult funding choices must be made during the appropriations process. Still, these decisions should not come at the expense of decades of advancements in chronic disease prevention, management, and treatment, including unique programs focused upon tobacco prevention and cessation and school health.

NACDD looks forward to continuing to work with members of Congress to ensure that the CDC has the funding it needs to help State Health Departments continue their vital work to prevent chronic disease and promote health.”

For more information, please visit chronicdisease.org.