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
Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Chronic Disease Patient Resource Manual
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition making them more vulnerable than healthy people during a disaster. The Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, in collaboration with the Public Health Preparedness Branch and the University of Louisville, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developed a resource manual in 2008 to help individuals, families and caregivers prepare for disasters and emergencies. The manual was updated in 2013 and is available to download and print for use by individuals and groups working on disaster preparedness planning.
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 materials highlight awareness of the needs of people with chronic diseases during disasters and help educate about planning for disasters. Instructions also are included for developing emergency contact information, including personal medical information and action checklists along with helpful website links.