Bipartisan Partnership Commends Sen. Edwards for Addressing Chronic Disease
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 15, 2007) - The national health care debate took another step forward yesterday with the policy proposal unveiled by Sen. John Edwards in Detroit. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease applauds Sen. Edwards' willingness to contribute his ideas to this important discussion.
The health care plan put forth by Sen. Edwards aims to reduce health costs by encouraging health insurance companies, businesses, communities and individuals to take preventive steps to avoid chronic disease. The plan also proposes to combat chronic disease by integrating treatment programs and improving communication between doctors.
Sen. Edwards joins candidates from both sides of the political aisle who have discussed their plans for health care reform and fighting chronic disease. The PFCD looks forward to hearing additional ideas from other candidates for addressing the number one cause of death and leading driver of health care costs in America: chronic disease.
Chronic diseases are responsible for seven out of 10 deaths and 75 percent of every health care dollar spent in the U.S. These are conditions that, with proper early intervention, diet, and exercise, could be prevented, delayed, or minimized. More than 130 million Americans today have a chronic disease.
About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease:
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is a national coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising health care costs in the U.S.: chronic disease.
The PFCD's mission is to:
- Challenge policymakers - in particular, the 2008 presidential candidates - to make the issue of chronic disease a top priority and articulate how they will address the issue through their health care proposals
- Educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals, communities, and the nation
- Mobilize Americans to call for change in how policymakers, governments, employers, health institutions, and other entities approach chronic disease
Leaders in the effort represent more than 50 leading organizations from across health care, business and labor including Aetna, American Academy of Family Physicians, Alliance for Aging Research, American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Preventive Medicine, American Hospital Association, American Pharmacists Association Foundation, Disease Management Association of America, Kerr Drug, Integrated Benefits Institute, International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, NAACP, Milken Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, National Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Service Employees International Union, Sheet Metal Workers International Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and YMCA of the USA, among others.
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