Overview

In the United States, the diseases and conditions that currently take the largest toll in death, illness, and disability are chronic diseases—such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, and diabetes. Each year, more than 1.7 million Americans die of a chronic disease—seven out of every 10 deaths. In addition, chronic diseases cause disability or major limitations in activity for more than one of every 10 Americans, or 25 million people. Chronic diseases also are costly to states, yet they are among the most preventable of health problems. Infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS also cause death and disability for many Americans. NCSL resources on diseases and conditions address cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, heart disease and stroke, obesity, osteoporosis and respiratory diseases. Overview resources for chronic disease, disease management, disabilities and infectious disease also are provided.