May 5th, 2008

The Partnership to fight Chronic Disease(PFCD) is a national coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business/labor groups and health policy experts, committed to raising awareness of policies and practices that save lives and reduce health costs through more effective prevention and management of chronic disease.

Chronic diseases, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in the U.S.  Additionally, more than 75 cents of every dollar we spend on health care in this country goes to treatment of chronic diseases, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In 2005, this amounted to $1.5 trillion of the $2 trillion spent on health care.

Even worse, is that many of these chronic conditions could be delayed or completely prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and better preventative healthcare.  But despite all these widespread problems, the issue of chronic disease still does not register with large segments of the public and policymakers as an issue of primary concern.

Therefore, the PFCD Mission is to:

• Educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals and communities
• Mobilize Americans to call for change in how governments, employers, and health institutions approach chronic disease
• Challenge policymakers on the health policy changes that are necessary to effectively fight chronic disease

To learn more about the PFCD, view the national partners, or to get involved please visit their website.