On September 18, the U.S. House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Investing in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment.” Witnesses included:

• • Senator Bill Frist: Former United States Majority Leader; Chairman of the Executives Council, Cressey and Company
    
  • Mark Hyman, M.D.: Founder, Institute for Functional Health
    
  • Anne Peters, M.D.: Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
    
  • Francesca Rinaldo, M.D.: Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) Health Plan
    
  • Ashley Gearhardt: Professor of Psychology, Food and Addiction Science Treatment, University of Michigan

The goal of the hearing was to examine the prevalence of chronic disease and potential investments in prevention and treatment options. Themes included the economic and social burden of chronic disease, the role of ultra-processed foods, the “food as medicine” approach to disease management and prevention, and nutrition education for providers and the public. In their opening statements, the witnesses discussed increasing rates of death each year due to chronic illness in this country. They listed cancer, diabetes, obesity, and rates of unhealthy habits such as smoking and vaping – among other challenges related to social determinants of health such as socio-economic status that can lead to food insecurity and high rates of stress. Chronic diseases like obesity and cancer are claiming the lives of nearly two million Americans every year. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with over half of the US population—and about 20% of children—falling into this category.

Healthcare and nutrition experts increasingly highlight the power of food in combating chronic disease. The concept of “food as medicine,” coined by Dr. Hyman, suggests that proper nutrition can not only prevent but also reverse diseases like diabetes. Medical professionals often lack sufficient training in nutrition, which leads to a greater reliance on medications rather than dietary interventions.

In her testimony, Dr. Peters noted that prioritizing preventive care, including diet and exercise, could extend life expectancy, slow aging, and significantly reduce healthcare costs—potentially saving trillions of dollars over the next five decades.

Local public health departments play a critical role in driving initiatives to address chronic disease at the community level. Many conduct nutritional education programs, support meal replacement initiatives, and facilitate preventive healthcare measures. With increased federal support and funding, local departments could expand outreach, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthy food and medical care is limited. These efforts would not only improve individual health outcomes but also reduce healthcare disparities, fostering a more equitable approach to public health.

NACCHO has five policy statements related to chronic disease prevention and social determinants of health including:

• • Health in All Policies
    
  • Healthy Food Access
    
  • Local Tobacco and Vaping Control Regulations
    
  • Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention
    
  • Physical Activity
    
  • Tobacco Prevention
    
  • Transportation and Health
    

In response to the hearing, NACCHO submitted a statement for the record highlighting the role of local health departments in chronic disease prevention and treatment.