Chronic Disease Prevention
Overview
Chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, are among the leading causes of death in Maryland and currently account for 75 percent of health care costs. Fortunately, the majority of chronic disease cases can be prevented. Eighty percent of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be prevented through proper nutrition, physical activity, and not smoking.
The mission of the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention (OCDP) is to improve the health of Maryland residents by promoting healthy lifestyles that will reduce chronic disease. The OCDP focuses its efforts in four areas: communities, health care, schools, and businesses.
- Communities
The OCDP works in Maryland communities to increase opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity, provide education on chronic disease prevention and management, and build community environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
- Health Care
The OCDP works with its partners in the health care sector to expand access to care and improve the quality of care that chronic disease patients receive.
- Businesses
The OCDP partners with Maryland businesses to create healthy worksites, establish business policies that promote health, and provide chronic disease management in the workplace.
- Schools
The OCDP supports programs in schools and child care settings that help children maintain a healthy weight through increased physical activity, nutritious food choices, and limited screen time.
Partnerships
To accomplish its mission, the OCDP partners with various organizations and several state councils including the Maryland State Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Heart Disease and Stroke.
Center of Chronic Disease Prevention
201 W. Preston Street, Room 306
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-767-5780