The Academy’s Pivotal Role in Supporting Public-Private Partnerships to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes — are the leading causes of death in the United States; they account for 70% of all deaths annually. Chronic diseases also limit daily activities for nearly 10% of Americans. Although these diseases are among the most common and expensive health problems, they are also among the most preventable (1). This growing health care crisis and its attendant economic costs can be addressed only by sharing expertise and resources across sectors.