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Chronic diseases and injuries are responsible for approximately two-thirds of all deaths in North Carolina, or about 50,000 deaths each year. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease and unintentional injuries make up the top five causes of death in North Carolina. Many deaths in the state are preventable and involve risky behaviors or lifestyles. Among the leading causes of preventable death are tobacco use, unhealthy diet/physical inactivity, alcohol and drug abuse and misuse, and motor vehicle crashes.
The N.C. Division of Public Health's Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program, along with local health departments and other community partners, works to reduce death and disabilities through education, policy change and various services. Our goal is to help all North Carolinians develop healthy and safe communities and health systems to prevent and control chronic diseases and to eliminate health inequities.
This is accomplished through policy development and environmental changes that support healthy behavior and improvements in systems of care as well as through education, screening, direct medical service, community engagement and social marketing initiatives.
The Section supports N.C. Healthy Schools, a partnership with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and other divisions of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, to promote the health and academic achievement of students in North Carolina’s public schools.
The Section is in partnership with the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services and the UNC Institute on Aging to address chronic disease and injury issues as they relate to North Carolina's older adults.
Chronic Disease and Injury programs within the Section include:
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