Generate, Educate, Activate, Respond (GEAR) Groups are peer-to-peer, case-based, action learning opportunities for state chronic disease practitioners. They are offered periodically and designed to catalyze planning for longer-term state level action. Participants can expand knowledge of pressing topics, develop leadership skills, and network with other public health professionals at state health departments.
GEAR Groups use the University of New Mexico’s ECHO model™, a virtual “All Teach / All Learn” approach to professional development. Using Zoom video technology, GEAR Groups will engage up to 12 states with a strategist to explore emerging or long-standing chronic disease prevention and control topics. GEAR Groups meet 4 times, usually once a week, for 90 minutes each. Meetings are facilitated conversations among participants requiring preparation and active participation. Meetings are not recorded educational webinars.
Resources and references shared by participants in each group are collected and shared with all NACDD members at the completion of the 4 sessions.
Click here to explore 2021 GEAR Group Opportunities.
Past NACDD GEAR Groups
Established in 2016, 15 GEAR Groups have covered topics developed by NACDD members and in alignment with the CDC’s Four Domains for chronic disease prevention and board strategic priorities. Information about those topic areas and their products can be found here.