Chronic Disease Policy Academy
About ADCPA | Members | Efforts | Aims
Background
For the past three years, the National Governor’s Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices has been hosting “Chronic Disease Policy Academies” in order to help states develop customized strategies for preventing and managing chronic diseases. During these academies, state teams comprised of executive, legislative, administrative, and private sector policymakers work with national experts to prioritize and develop realistic action plans for improving chronic disease prevention and management. The ultimate goal of the process is to help states and territories minimize the deaths, disabilities, and public and private costs associated with chronic disease.
Academy Process
In 2004, Alaska was chosen as one of seven Chronic Disease Policy Academy participant states. During an orientation site visit by NGA staff in October 2004, Alaska’s Chronic Disease Policy Academy (ACDPA) team met for the first time as a team, learned about the Policy Academy process, developed a Vision Statement, and identified Priority Areas in which to focus their efforts.
The Last Frontier’s future depends on the health of its people. We envision a state in which public and private partners work together to create an environment of healthy living, where our diverse cultures and people strive to improve the lifelong health of all Alaskans. |
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| 1. Reduction of obesity and overweight rates a. Increase in physical activity b. Increase in healthy eating 2. Reduction of tobacco use and substance abuse 3. Increase use of incentives for individual behavior change 4. Improvement in secondary prevention and management of targeted chronic diseases |
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In December 2004 the ACDPA team attended a three-day meeting in New Orleans, sponsored by the NGA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), and the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). This work session provided Alaska’s team the opportunity for in-depth consultation with health experts on chronic disease prevention and management best practices, as well as the chance to hear about the progress made and challenges encountered by prior years’ attendees. With the assistance of NGA staff, CDC staff, and other states’ Policy Academy members, the ACDPA drafted an Action Plan that focused on the identified priority areas.
The final component of the Policy Academy process is one year of technical assistance from the NGA to facilitate putting Action Plan into effect.
For more information about Alaska's Chronic Disease Policy Academy, proceed to Team Members, Aims, and Status of current efforts.