PFCD Nevada Calls on Presidential Candidates to Address Chronic Disease as a Major Health Issue Facing Nevada Residents

RENO, Nev. (October 6, 2015) – The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) of Nevada – a broad coalition of state and local leaders representing patients, providers, businesses and seniors – is urging presidential candidates to address chronic diseases in their health care proposals.

Chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease and lupus, are the number one health care cost driver in the United States, accounting for more than 86 percent of the $2.9 trillion spent. Chronic diseases are also the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.

PFCD Nevada and its partners will work to promote greater chronic disease awareness during the 2016 presidential campaign, focusing on educating candidates about the devastating impact of chronic disease on Nevadans.

WHAT: PFCD Nevada is traveling across the state to discuss the impact of chronic disease on Nevadans. The coalition will run television spots on CNN during the primary debates held in Nevada, including the Democratic debate on October 13 and the Republican debate on December 15, and will also use print and billboard advertising throughout the presidential campaign.

WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2015 8 a.m. – noon Pre-scheduled interviews available for Ken Thorpe and Jack Packham.

WHERE: Campaign will launch in Reno, Nevada PFCD Nevada is available to schedule interviews at your convenience.

WHO: Kenneth Thorpe, Chair, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Jack Packham, PhD., Director of Health Policy Research, University of Nevada School of Medicine

VISUALS: Preview of television spots, print and billboard advertising

PFCD Nevada is co-chaired by Ann Lynch, president Las Vegas HEALS; former state senator Bernice Mathews; John Packham, Ph.D., Director of Health Policy Research, University of Nevada School of Medicine; Don Havins, M.D., Touro University; and Tom McCoy, JD, Nevada Government Relations, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.

Partner organizations include:

• ALS Association, Nevada Chapter
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Nevada
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nevada Section
• Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
• International Foundation for Autoimmune Arthritis
• Las Vegas HEALS
• Lupus of Nevada
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Nevada (NAMI Nevada)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Nevada (NAMI Western Nevada)
• Nevada Biotechnology & Health Sciences Consortium
• Nevada Cancer Coalition  Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association
• Nevada Primary Care Association
• Nevada Public Health Association
• Nevada Tobacco Control Prevention Coalition

About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is an international coalition of hundreds of patient, provider, community, business and labor groups, and health policy experts, committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability and rising health care costs: chronic disease. Learn more by visiting www.FightChronicDisease.org