From the Chairman of the State Board of Health Jack O. Lanier, Dr. P.H., MHA, FACHE

The State Board of Health provides leadership in planning and policy development for the the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to implement organized, prevention-oriented programs that promote and protect the health of all Virginians. The board also serves as the primary advocate and representative of the citizens of the Commonwealth in achieving optimal health.

All of the health professions are represented by at least one member of the board. Accordingly, the board is committed to serve the best interest of all Virginia residents. The programmatic initiatives of state and local agencies are continually assessed to ensure the health and well-being of Virginians is protected. Of primary interest to the Board are the public health and medical-related issues identified annually by the executive branch and General Assembly. The board is committed to supporting VDH’s goals by promoting systems, policies and practices that facilitate improved health of all Virginians.

Recently, the board announced that its top priority would be improving the overall health status of Virginia’s population through the prevention and control of chronic disease. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Factors that contribute to chronic disease include the use of tobacco products, obesity and physical inactivity, poor nutrition, failure to utilize screening and early detection services, improper care of an existing health condition, as well as age, gender and race. Chronic disease also negatively impacts the economy. Individuals with chronic illnesses now comprise the national health care system’s largest, most expensive and fastest growing service group.

Given the severe consequences for Virginia’s economy and the quality of life of its residents, the Commonwealth can not afford to ignore the threat posed by chronic disease. To respond to this continuing challenge, the board issued a set of public heath policy objectives designed to combat chronic disease in Virginia. The board serves as a unifying voice for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in Virginia. Additionally, board members continue to develop strong working relationships with other governmental agencies and governing boards, as well as with non-governmental groups. The board is also working with its community-based partners to develop comprehensive state plans to guide program efforts emphasizing quality of care, prevention measures and improved outcomes.

We will continue to embrace the root causes of chronic disease and develop purposeful and strategic initiatives for meeting our goals. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Board of Health colleagues as we strive to protect, promote, and enhance the well-being of all Virginians.