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Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Improvement

The leading causes of death in the United States are attributed to chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes. In addition to the toll that chronic disease takes on human life, treating and managing chronic conditions accounts for the vast majority of health care costs across the nation. Public health experts understand chronic disease as outcomes related to several risk factors, including tobacco use and lack of access to health care, nutritious foods, and other key determinants of health.

ASTHO works with state and territorial health officials to provide the tools necessary to address the burden of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. Our work centers on supporting members and their agency staff to improve public health systems and infrastructure to advance health equity in chronic disease prevention and health improvement. We operationalize health equity throughout all aspects of our work, from strategic planning to technical assistance.

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ASTHO e-Learning Center

Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Module

This module, housed on ASTHO's e-Learning center, is designed to support public health agencies in identifying priorities and taking action towards improving dementia and caregiving. Resources are divided into stages — ready to learn, ready to plan, and ready to do.

ASTHO e-Learning Center

Synergy of Healthy People 2030 and PHAB Standards, While Centering Health Equity

This microlearning, housed on ASTHO's e-Learning center, is a collection of three brief modules that can help Healthy People 2030 coordinators and other health department staff understand the synergy between Healthy People 2030 objectives and public health accreditation standards while centering health equity in their planning and assessment work.

Latest Chronic Disease Resources

Health Policy Update
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How States Can Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences Through Stability, Safety, and Support

Health Policy Update
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Preventing Hypertension Through State Policy Efforts

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The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines: Understanding the New Pyramid

Health Policy Update.
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States Invest in Public Health and Safety Through Transportation Policy

Health Policy Update.
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What’s Driving Public Health Legislation in 2026?

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Policy Trends Shaping Healthy Food and Chronic Disease in 2026

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Aligning Strategic Plans Across Health, Aging, and Dementia

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Leveraging Public Health Assets in Medicaid Managed Care

Go to a Full List of Resources

Collaborations

ASTHO coordinates the Tobacco Control Network (TCN), a CDC-funded ASTHO peer network of tobacco control program managers and other public health professionals dedicated to the promotion of tobacco control and cessation in the states and territories. In our work with the TCN, ASTHO convenes a peer-elected executive committee of state and territorial tobacco control program leaders to ensure that the best resources and collaboration opportunities are available to help tobacco control programs effectively respond to emerging challenges. ASTHO partners with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to promote evidence-based tobacco control policies at the state level.

ASTHO collaborates with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map among public health agencies, as well as to identify and integrate public health strategies for dementia risk reduction.