Online Program

Oral

The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships Over the last several years, the issues of cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease are receiving greater attention from the public health community. The genesis of this recognition as a public health issue can be attributed in part to the 2007 publication and related activities highlighted in “The Healthy Brain Initiative: A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health.” The 2007 Road Map was a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Healthy Aging Program and the Alzheimer’s Association. This was the first publication to address cognitive health and functioning from a public health perspective and to provide a framework for the community. In light of several major events, including the issuance of the “National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease,” and evolving recognition of the role of public health, a new Road Map was developed. “The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships” used participatory concept mapping methods and involved more than 280 experts in the field. This session will introduce the new Road Map, the conceptual framework, and key action steps focused on how state and local public health partners can address cognitive functioning and impairment in their states and communities. The four components of the Road Map’s conceptual framework align with the core public health functions. Panelists will each take a component of the framework and provide examples that illustrate how public health partners can implement the Road Map and integrate its priorities into their work.

Session Objectives: • Describe the public health burden and impact of Alzheimer’s disease. • Describe the four components of the conceptual framework of the Road Map. • List at least two actions state and local public health entities can take to integrate the Road Map into their work. • Provide advice for state and local action in implementing “The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships.”

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)