Chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They are also leading drivers of the nation's health care costs. Six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases. Many preventable chronic diseases are caused by a short list of risk behaviors which includes poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Some groups are more affected than others because of factors that limit their ability to make healthy choices. (CDC 2024)

During the 2024 Community Health Assessment process chronic disease in Madison County was found to be a major area of concern across both primary and secondary data sources.