Partnership for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Washington, DC

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes represent the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting minority populations in the District of Columbia (DC), with an annual cost of two billion dollars. Resources for early detection, prevention and management of these conditions are deficient, and the high prevalence is associated with multiple racial and socioeconomic factors that are unlikely to be resolved by the health care sector alone. Based on strong evidence, the Subcommittee on Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes, DC Health Disparities Advisory Committee, has proposed a strategic partnership plan that engages the DC Department of Health with other governmental agencies, local universities, private sector and community organizations to address the high prevalence and disparities in cardiovascular disease and diabetes in DC through the following initiatives: a) Adopt policies to improve and coordinate the integration of services toward prevention, early detection and control, b) Support children at risk and their families through improved case management, educational experiences and training programs for school personnel. c) Conduct research and training on integrated health services, d) Provide outreach and health education to populations in low socioeconomic strata, and e) establish mechanisms to monitor the progression, quality and outcomes of the programs. To implement the programs, a 5-year budget has been proposed, based on the community's expressed needs, at $1.8M (1st year) and $3.6M on average per subsequent years 2-5. To support the budget, the following fundraising initiatives have been recommended: allocation of funds from tobacco settlement, increase in tobacco taxes and initiation of a snack and beverages tax.