Update from the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD)

Throughout the year, PFCD has advocated for placing more importance on the need for better prevention in the health care system -- and this message is being included in health care reform discussions and planning on Capitol Hill. (AMCNO is a partner in PFCD and we sent comments to President-Elect Obama during his campaign regarding the importance of focusing on chronic disease prevention) PCFD has outlined several initiatives under review at this time that could impact the on the chronic disease prevention: 

Senator Ted Kennedy has established three working groups to deal with critical issues of health reform, one of which will concentrate on the area of prevention and public health. The group will be lead by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), who has been a supporter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), as well as prevention efforts spearheaded by the YMCA and other organizations. 

Senator Max Baucus, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, released a health care plan that has a chapter devoted to prevention and wellness. His plan would, "immediately refocus our health care system toward prevention and wellness, rather than on illness and treatment," and notes that, "covering all Americans is essential to effective prevention and wellness efforts and managing chronic illnesses." The PFCD issued a statement in support of Baucus' focus on reform in prevention and disease management - for a copy of the statement go to http://www.fightchronicdisease.org/media/statements/pfcd/baucus_health_plan.cfm 

President-elect Obama stated throughout the campaign, as well as in his health care plan that he will make chronic disease prevention and management a focus of reform. The AMCNO plans to continue to work with the PFCD on this important issue.