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Chronic diseases—such as heart
disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes
of death and disability in the United States.
Chronic diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths
among Americans each year. These diseases also cause
major limitations in daily living for one-fourth of
people with chronic conditions. Although chronic
diseases are among the most common and costly health
problems, they are also among the most preventable.
Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious
foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco
use can prevent or control the devastating effects
of these diseases. |
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has
created a comprehensive initiative for the $650 million
allotted for chronic disease prevention efforts in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The goal of
this initiative –
Communities Putting Prevention to Work
– is to reduce risk factors, prevent/delay
chronic disease, promote wellness in children and adults,
and provide positive, sustainable health change in
communities.
Communities Putting Prevention to Work
will address the leading preventable causes
of death and disability, namely obesity and tobacco use, by
expanding the use of evidence-based strategies and programs,
mobilizing local resources at the community-level, and
strengthening the capacity of states. As a result of these
efforts, powerful models of success are expected to emerge
that can be replicated in other states and communities. The
cornerstone of the initiative is the Community Program ($373
million), with cooperative agreements to be awarded to
communities through a competitive selection process.
• The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention will support evidence-based community
approaches to chronic disease prevention and control in
selected communities (urban and rural) to achieve the
following prevention outcomes:
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Increased levels of physical activity;
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Improved nutrition;
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Decreased overweight/obesity
prevalence;
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Decreased tobacco use; and
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Decreased exposure to secondhand smoke.
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