Assessment of changes in state level public health capacity and the adoption of a coordinated approach to chronic disease prevention

Purpose: State and territorial health departments, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, and CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion have worked over the last several years to develop and apply a coordinated approach to chronic disease prevention, leveraging expertise and resources more effectively and efficiently.  In 2010, CDC provided funding to states and territories to engage in systematic planning and implementation of such an approach. Changes in coordinated operations and structure was assessed in 2013.

Methods:  57 state and territorial health departments were invited to share information about the organization of their chronic disease related activities via a electronic survey.  Analyses included frequency and median calculations for multiple choice responses and key word identification and frequency calculations for open-ended responses. Chronic Disease Directors from each state were encouraged to consult with members of their chronic disease prevention and health promotion team to complete the assessment as a team.

Findings: 52 (90%) State and Territories completed the assessment.  92% reported their ability to practice effective coordinated chronic disease prevention and health promotion had improved. The top 3 factors that impacted coordinated approach to chronic disease prevention included: program management/leadership, federal funding, and realignment of staffing/positions to the coordinated approach.

Conclusions:  Functioning in state and territorial chronic disease units has moved to more a coordinated and collaborative model.  Continued follow-up is required to assess impact of this approach on chronic disease health outcomes.