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Chronic Disease Prevention

Advancing evidence-based chronic disease prevention strategies

Our Impact

See all Chronic Disease Prevention Impacts

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  • 10 years longer life among those with sickle cell disease
  • $15M budget appropriation to help 2 million with asthma
  • 13M low-income Californians meeting federal nutrition guidelines

Our Work

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and asthma are leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. They are also a growing health problem in lowincome countries around the world. These diseases disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income populations, and are responsible for close to 75 percent of all U.S. health care costs.

Successful prevention strategies begin with recognizing the complex interplay of social factors that drive chronic disease, including poverty, racism, education, access to care and local community environments.

At PHI, we oversee a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge chronic disease prevention programs that collectively work to address these social determinants of health, with an emphasis on policy and systems change to have the broadest impact.

Critical Issues

Pioneering Expertise

PHI Priority

Building Health Equity

Policy change can quickly impact large-scale inequities. In California, PHI co-sponsored a state-wide initiative that doubled the value of SNAP benefits (food stamps) when recipients purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables.

Programs

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PHI is Leading the Conversation

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How to Support Birth Equity for Black Mothers & Babies

Black women and birthing people disproportionately experience negative birthing experiences and outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. PHI's Cherished Futures offers systems-change recommendations for philanthropists, policymakers, hospital and clinic leaders, insurance payers and community advocates to help improve birth equity for Black mothers and babies.

Read the report

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