Abstract

The burden of chronic disease in North Carolina signifies a need to make dramatic improvements in population health. Investing in prevention can reduce this heavy burden by saving lives, reducing disability, and, in some cases, reducing health care costs.

The NCIOM’s Prevention Task Force studied the leading causes of death and disability in the state and developed evidence-based recommendations to address the preventable risk factors underlying these leading causes. This report presents the findings of the task force’s work and recommendations to improve population health in North Carolina over the next several years.