Community-Based Programs Help Prevent Chronic Disease

By Michael Combier-Talk Radio News Service

A number of community-led programs that provide healthier choices for local populations in West Michigan or upstate New York are increasing the efficiency of the chronic disease prevention, according to statements made by experts at a briefing conducted by the Trust for America’s Health.

“Collectively, these innovative programs emphasize that prevention saves lives, improves the health of the population, improves health equity, and saves money for government, business, healthcare, families and individuals,” said Frances D. Butterfoss, founding President of Coalitions Work in Virginia.

Chronic diseases have been a crucial factor in the health care of many American people. They account for seven of every ten U.S. deaths, affecting half of the country’s population, and is responsible for more than 75 percent of the $2 trillion spent annually on medical care.

“Their preventability resides in our community programs,” said Janet Collins director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Collins said that easy access to fast-food restaurants prevent the local population in making healthy choices. Communities need “to surround the individual with healthy choices” such as local grocery stores and the possibility to buy fresh vegetables and fruits said Collins.

The funding of local programs could increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and prevent smoking use inside the community.

“Community prevention has a direct impact on health outcomes” and results can be seen “in relatively short-time frames,” said Jeff Levi executive director at the Trust for America’s Health.

His organization recently released a report concluding that an investment of $10 per person per year in community-based programs would save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years. “That is a return of $5.60 for every $1 spent,” said Levi.

The speakers at the briefing asked Congress to support $75 million in funding for Healthy Communities Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the fiscal year 2010 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. This funding would help continue the community-based programs.