Navigating the Post-Election Climate: A Collaborative Approach to Science-Based Prevention
CEO, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) | President & Founder of ProVention | Innovating Chronic Disease Prevention | Nonprofit & Public Health Leader | Advocate for Health Equity & Social Impact
January 16, 2025
With the next administration taking office this month, the conversation about public health is again front and center. While healthcare policies have sometimes been a source of political division, there’s a simple truth we can all agree on: preventing disease is better than treating it because it saves lives and money. By working together and focusing on prevention, we can boost the health of the American people and the strength of our economy, making the U.S. a global leader for years to come.
Why Prevention Matters for the Economy
Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are responsible for 90% of America’s $4.5 trillion healthcare costs every year, according to the CDC. Additionally, the high proportion of ultra-high-processed foods, high sodium, and high sugar products in the American diet is directly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, further contributing to healthcare costs. That’s money drained from families, businesses, and our economy.
By reducing chronic disease and promoting a diet defined by nutrient-dense food and adequate physical activity, we improve lives and unlock enormous economic growth. A study from Deloitte shows that closing health gaps across the U.S. could add $2.8 trillion to our economy by 2040. That’s more jobs, better productivity, and stronger businesses. Preventing disease and promoting healthy living isn’t a political issue—it’s a common-sense investment that delivers real returns for everyone.
Collaboration: Bringing Communities Together
To make prevention work, we need to come together across sectors—public health leaders, businesses, local organizations, and policymakers. Community organizations often know best how to address health gaps and build trust where it’s needed most. By pooling expertise, resources, and data, we can create smarter, more effective solutions that meet real needs.
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) has successfully worked for nearly 40 years extensively to support cross-sector health collaboration, having partnered with the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to elevate ways that State and local health departments, public health systems, and community organizations can work together to build healthier communities. This collaboration also helps rebuild public trust in healthcare, ensuring every American feels empowered to take control of their health.
Evidence-Based Solutions That Work
For prevention efforts to succeed, they must be grounded in science and made accessible to everyone—especially underserved communities with limited access to services and often delay care, leading to worse health outcomes and higher costs. Other barriers, including lack of broadband, transportation, and education, have existed far too long and have contributed exponentially to poor health. Programs like our 100% virtual chronic disease prevention and management platform, Health and Lifestyle Training (HALT), prove that innovative technology, community-driven solutions, and ultra-low-cost solutions can be scaled to help people on any schedule or budget.
By using AI-driven or personal health coaches from patients’ own communities, HALT ensures care is not only effective but also trusted and equitable.
A Unified Vision for a Healthier, Stronger America
Preventing disease isn’t just about healthcare—it’s about our future as a global economic powerhouse. When people are healthy, businesses thrive, communities grow, and our nation becomes stronger.
At the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, we believe the future can be bright. But it starts with prevention, collaboration, and a focus on science. Together, we can make 2025 a turning point for public health—and for America’s leadership on the world stage.
Let’s finally invest in prevention by empowering people with the tools they need for optimal health. It’s good for individuals, good for business, and good for America.
