PFCD health care reform panel calls for promoting health through prevention of chronic diseases

Diverse Panel Examine Opportunities to Improve Quality of Care, Reduce Costs through Delivery-system Reforms

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) today brought together several health care experts to discuss ways to "get back to the basics" in health reform by advancing legislation that promotes the health of all Americans through better prevention and management of chronic disease.

"The purpose behind health care reform -- improving the quality of health care in the U.S. and ultimately improving the quality of life for all Americans--can easily be lost in the health reform discussion," said Kenneth Thorpe, Ph.D., Executive Director of the PFCD, who was also the moderator of the Capitol Hill event. "As we enter the most critical time of the health care reform debate, it is important that we stay focused on this goal and strengthen the policy proposals that evidence shows improve health outcomes and reduce health spending -- disease prevention and wellness."

The panel was composed of a diverse selection of health experts who all echoed the same message of urgency for comprehensive health reform that focuses on prevention and disease management through delivery system reform.

Panelists included health experts and PFCD advisory board members: Pat Ford Roegner, CEO of the American Academy of Nursing; Dave Hoffman, Legislative and Policy Committee Chair of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors; Carol Allred, CEO of WomenHeart; and Ann Kempski, Director of Health Policy for the Service Employees International Union.

"In the health care reform debate there are many issues that divide stakeholders," said Thorpe. "It is important to put these differences aside and get back to the basics of health reform -- improving Americans' health and finding more value per dollar spent. We must address the number one driver of costs and poor health in the U.S.: high rates of preventable chronic disease."