Allene Mares, RN, MPH Assistant Secretary – Community & Family Health Helping People Live Longer & Healthier

Healthy Communities ● Healthy Schools Healthy Worksites ● Healthy Homes Health Care ● Public-Private Partnerships

What are chronic diseases? Ongoing incurable illnesses or conditions Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma Most can be prevented

60% of deaths 84% high risk 1 million live with chronic diseases Chronic Disease in Washington by the Numbers (2007) Human Cost Financial Cost 75% of health- related spending $5 billion medical treatment $18 billion lost productivity Sources:BRFSS CHARS HWS OFM

Chronic Disease in Washington Flat Trend: Heart Disease – Stroke – Breast, Cervical, Colon Cancer Upward Trend: Asthma – Diabetes

Place matters. Where people live learn, work, and play affects health. People are healthier when they have easy access to healthy foods and physical activity, and when the healthy choice is the easiest one to make! Chronic Disease in Washington

Chronic Disease in Washington Half have risk factors for chronic disease

1.9 million - physically inactive 3.6 million - poor nutrition 814,000 tobacco users Source: WA Behavioral Risk factor Survey (BRFSS) 2008 Chronic Disease in Washington 2 out of 3 have unhealthy behaviors

Social Position Place Matters Access to Care Matters Healthy Behavior Matters Chronic Disease in Washington Health Inequity

What is health inequity? Health inequities are differences in health that are unnecessary, unfair, and preventable. Not everyone has an equal opportunity for health.

Adults with diabetes receiving multiple services Washington Adults with lowest income and education are less likely to receive recommended preventive care

Lower social position, some racial and ethnic groups are more likely to have to diabetes complications: –High blood pressure –High cholesterol –Heart disease and stroke –Blindness –Amputations Chronic Disease in Washington Complications

Focus on root causes

Community-based Programs Play a critical role to help people improve and maintain health Teach people self-management skills in nutrition, exercise, and medication Foster good communication between the health-care provider and patient

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Community-based, peer-led workshops Encourage people to take charge of their health, to know how to monitor conditions, know management and treatment options. Build confidence in people with chronic illnesses to be proactive.

Once weekly for 2 ½ hours for 6 weeks at Area Agencies on Aging English and Spanish Sponsored by Department of Social & Health Services and Department of Health

CDSMP in Washington How to: Deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation Use exercise to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance Use medications appropriately Communicate effectively Eat healthy foods Evaluate new treatments

Support from American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 2-year grant - $652,582 Target:1450 adults age 55 and older with access barriers: language, culture, living in remote areas or low-income senior housing Network of master trainers, lay leaders, public- private partnerships

Area Agencies on Aging Olympic Area Agency on Aging - Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Pacific counties Northwest Regional Council - Skagit and Whatcom counties Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care Southeast Washington Aging and Long Term Care - Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla counties

ARRA Grant: Sustained Capacity With ARRA funding, we will: –Promote state policy for expanded coverage –Expand and solidify partnerships –Embed CDSMP in a variety of community organizations statewide –Develop resources for long-term sustainability

Thank you for building “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” in Washington!