FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2003

CONTACT:
Bernard R. Malone, MPA, Director
Division of Chronic Disease Prevention &
Health Promotion
(573) 522-2801

(Jefferson City, MO) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named five programs housed within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP) in its 2003 publication, State Programs in Action: Exemplary Work to Prevent Chronic Disease and Promote Health.

DHSS programs in the areas of Arthritis & Osteoporosis, Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer Registries, Diabetes and Heart Disease and Stroke were recognized for demonstrating an exemplary commitment to reducing chronic disease and as a model for other states that want to implement highly effective programs. In order for programs to be selected, they had to be based on strong research, demonstrate innovative approaches or yield positive measurable outcomes.

Missouri's programs were deemed outstanding after being selected by state chronic disease directors, state prevention program coordinators and CDC staff.

"We are extremely proud of these programs because of their ability to reach diverse Missouri populations, both rural and urban, and reduce disparities in access to preventive care services," said Bert Malone, Director of DHSS' Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

The following highlights were noted in the publication:

· Heart Disease and Stroke: Recognized for demonstrating that populations benefit when states provide leadership and collaborate at the community level with organizations that provide, monitor and pay for primary and secondary prevention services. The Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is partnering with the Missouri Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (MDPCP) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to administer and evaluate a new comprehensive approach to improving standards of care for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. The FQHCs offer a unique opportunity to reach Missouri's high-risk minority and low-income populations, many of whom live in rural areas. In 2001, 184,712 Missourians used FQHCs as their primary source of health care.

· Diabetes: In Missouri, FQHCs that participated in the National Diabetes Collaborative made and sustained substantial improvements in the quality of care for their patients with diabetes. The MDPCP was recognized for facilitating this participation and helping to increase patients' participation in the management of their diabetes.

· Arthritis: Recognized for engaging extension specialists, disability experts, rural professionals and volunteers in a partnership that organizes and assists farmers in remaining active despite disabilities related to arthritis.

· Cancer Registries: Recognized for developing a unique, innovative web-based cancer information resource for citizens, health professionals, researchers and policy makers.

· Cancer Prevention and Control: Recognized for continuous collaboration with community organizations that provide resources and support for breast cancer patients.

"Though many of our chronic disease prevention and control programs are nationally acclaimed, there is more work to be done," said Malone. "The health and well-being of our generation and future generations will be determined by the actions that we as a society undertake today. We will continue to seek funding for and implement effective science-based interventions like the ones noted in this report."

Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke account for 70% of all deaths in the United States, and more than 90 million people live with chronic illnesses.