Republican Candidates Use Presidential Debate as Platform to Discuss Health Care and Chronic Disease
Americans believe health care plans must address chronic diseases, which account for 75% of costs and 70% of deaths
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2007) - Tonight marks the first time in a presidential debate format that Republican candidates were asked about health care and discussed the need to address chronic disease. We commend the candidates who recognize the urgency of addressing this epidemic, and hope more will share their thoughts on this critical health care issue.
A recent survey by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease found that 91 percent of Americans believe it is important for 2008 Presidential candidates to have a plan to reduce chronic disease, while 81 percent believe the United States should prioritize our heath care dollars to "Invest more in preventative measures to ensure that diseases are prevented or kept from becoming more serious."
This is a critical issue that deserves quality focus and discussion by those who want to be the next President of the United States. The next President must have a plan to deal with chronic disease which accounts for 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. and 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care.
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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