The Chronic Disease Prevention Branch includes several programs to address chronic diseases including arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis, pediatric cancer and stroke. The branch programs focus on activities through the following strategic areas:
- Development and dissemination of useful data, surveillance and evaluation information;
- Increasing access to clinical preventive services such as screenings and health systems change;
- Creating strong community clinical linkages; and
- Supporting healthy choices and healthy living through environment, policy and systems change.
The branch receives several federal grants as well as limited state funding to implement evidence-based interventions to reduce chronic diseases and their complications. Data are collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and published annually.
Chronic Disease Disaster Preparedness
All people with chronic diseases need to develop a plan to cope with disasters such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, prolonged snow or ice emergency or any other type of issue that can prevent someone with chronic disease from getting access to medications, his or her regular physician, dialysis, chemotherapy and other medical needs. The links below and the free materials from Ready.gov/publications highlight awareness of the needs of people with chronic diseases during disasters and help educate about emergency planning and preparedness for disasters.