Chronic Disease in Massachusetts: The Big Picture

Chapter seven of “The Health of Massachusetts” highlights the work of the Department’s Bureau of Community Health Access and Promotion. The bureau is primarily responsible for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.  

Numerous factors contribute to the rapidly rising rates of chronic disease, both in Massachusetts and across the country. These include poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, poor air quality, and exposure to tobacco. In addition, the growing obesity epidemic has also led to a marked increase in many chronic diseases. The combined impact of these health issues greatly affects the residents of Massachusetts, as well as the health care system and economy of the Commonwealth.   

Learn more about these diseases and the work the Department is doing to address them at www.mass.gov/dph/healthofmassachusetts.