Chronic Disease Definition
Chronic diseases have a long course of illness. They rarely resolve spontaneously
and they are generally not cured by medication or prevented by vaccine. Chronic diseases
- such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - account for 7 of every 10 deaths and
affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Chronic disabling conditions cause
major limitations in activity for more than 1 of every 10 Americans or 25 million people.
Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems,
they are also among the most preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such as
eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use can
prevent or control the devastating effects of these diseases.
Overview of the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are among the most prevalent,
costly, and preventable of all health problems. In Florida in 2007, almost one of every
three deaths was due to heart disease and stroke, and almost one of every four deaths was due to cancer.
However, consideration of deaths alone severely understates the burden of chronic disease.
The prolonged course of illness and disability from chronic diseases such as heart disease,
stroke, diabetes, and arthritis results in extended pain and suffering as well as in decreased
quality of life for thousands of Floridians. Our state cannot reduce its enormous health
care costs, much less its priority health problems, without addressing the prevention of
chronic disease in a fundamentally more aggressive manner.
Established in March 1998, the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
has expanded its capacity to provide a comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting, and
reducing complications of chronic diseases in Florida. The bureau currently houses the
following programs: Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Healthy Communities Healthy People,
Diabetes Prevention and Control, Comprehensive Cancer Control, Breast and Cervical Early Detection, Arthritis Prevention and Education, and Epilepsy Services.
The bureau receives funding from a variety of federal and state sources, including the Preventive
Health and Health Services Block Grant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
state trust funds, and general revenue.
Chronic Disease Fact Sheet (PDF 678 KB)
Links to Program Web Pages
The Functional Guide - PDF 225 KB) and the
Long-Range Program Plan - PDF 27 KB) each provide an
overview of each of the programs in the bureau.
Individual program web sites are listed below. Under each program web site, you will find
related reports, data, conferences, events, educational materials, and much more.
Other Bureau Web Sites
Other Health-Related Web Sites
Bureau Contacts
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