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CONFRONTING THE EPIDEMIC OF CHRONIC DISEASE
Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In Canada, about two thirds of total deaths are due to chronic diseases. While many chronic diseases can be prevented or postponed, factors that put people at risk for them are common. Because many chronic conditions share common modifiable risk factors, Canadians are often at high risk for several major diseases at once. The Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada (CDPAC) is a network of national organizations who share a common vision for an integrated system of research, surveillance, policies, and programs for maintaining health and prevention of chronic disease in Canada. Vision “Canadians will be supported by a comprehensive, sufficiently resourced, sustainable, and integrated system of research, surveillance, policies, and programs for maintaining health and prevention of chronic disease.” Mission statement CDPAC’s mission is to foster and help sustain a country-wide movement towards an integrated, population health approach for the prevention of chronic diseases through knowledge for action. Core Functions – Knowledge Exchange and Advocacy Working primarily at the national level, CDPAC’s primary foci are on knowledge exchange and advocacy to influence public opinion and societal attitudes or to bring about changes in policies and practice toward integrated chronic disease prevention.
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